‘A NEW jewel in the crown of West Coast treasures was unveiled on Friday making the Isle of Jura an easier place to reach.’
A high-speed passenger ferry, which encompasses all that is great about the West Coast, was officially launched on Friday August 1 before an excited audience of islanders and invited guests.
The Jura ferry service, which sails from Tayvallich, now means that visitors and islanders alike can get on and off the island in just under an hour.
From Jura to Lochgilphead, passengers can be door-to-door in an hour-and-a-half, courtesy of a connecting bus at Tayvallich.
There has not been a direct ferry service to and from the island since Caledonian MacBrayne’s boat in 1972, where visitors could expect a five-hour journey to reach the mainland.
Operated by Islay Sea Safari, the 600hp speedboat provides passengers with a truly unforgettable experience.
With 12 seats, the boat takes in breathtaking scenery down Loch Sween to Jura, with a single journey costing £15.
The knowledge of skipper Nicol MacKinnon and his father Donnie, from Islay, ensures visitors get an insight into the surrounding sea and land.
Councillor Robin Currie of Argyll and Bute Council’s Kintyre and the Islands ward and Councillor Donnie MacMillan of the Mid Argyll ward officially launched the service at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jura.
Councillor Currie said: ‘I am totally convinced that this service will be a complete success because Jura really has got so much to offer visitors.’
The service is subsidised by Argyll and Bute Council and implemented by the Jura Initiative at the Edge group as well as the Jura Development Trust.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) provided £140,510 to the Trust towards improvements at Craighouse, which includes three 10 metre-landing pontoons and an access bridge at the old stone pier, as well as improvements to the piers surroundings.
The project will be funded for three years by public bodies; Argyll and Bute Council, HIE, and Europe, who are all committed to the project.
Alex Dunnachie, a bus operator on the island said he would not see an immediate effect on his business as a result of the crossing although in the long-term he would benefit from the service.
‘At the moment the ferry crossing doesn’t really affect me business-wise although I’m hoping to put a 10-minute bus service on from the ferry to the gardens – this way it gives visitors other options.
‘There’s no question the new ferry will encourage people to Jura so as far as I’m concerned that’s only a good thing,’ he explained.
Chairman of North Knapdale Community Council, Hugh Semple, said Tayvallich had already seen an increase in traffic through the village, as a result of visitors heading off to Jura.
‘Of course the new service will bring more people into the village and more trade.
‘Its another very nice option for people who stay in the village to make a day trip over to the island,’ said Mr Semple.
Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, Argyll and Bute Council’s roads and transportation spokesperson, said: ‘These improvements at Craighouse are to be welcomed with open-arms. The new ferry service will not only enable people to visit this remote and beautiful island, but it will also enable the residents of Jura easy access to Lochgilphead, Oban and even Glasgow thanks to good connections with local bus services.’
