Jura hosts civic reception to mark multiple achievements – then parties at its Regatta

The first of August saw the Isle of Jura host a Civic Reception in celebration of its first ferry direct to mainland Argyll for thirty six years. The Herald has noted that a MacBrayne’s ferry called at Craighouse Pier for the last time in 1972. For Argyll has carried several news items on the successful new fast passenger ferry service from Tayvallich on Loch Sween to Craighouse. This, with the success of new crofting developments on the island, a population now back up to two hundred and funding awarded to develop The Antlers into an interpretative and crafts centre with coffee shop sees the island with renewed hope and energy for its regeneration efforts.

Deborah Bryce, Development Officer for Jura’s Initiative at the Edge, says that the day went well, started off drizzly, but the sun came out for the funders return trip to the mainland, so they got to experience the full spectrum of the journey. Jura’s resident piper greeted the mainland visitors and the press, the Village Hall committee provided a delicious spread of cakes, sandwiches and nibbles and, with a characteristic entrepreneurial spirit, there was a raffle raising £311 towards a new regatta rowing boat. Prizes were donated by Tayvallich Inn, Tayvallich Shop & Coffee Shop and Jura Stores. Jura Distillery marked the occasion with some bottles of 10 year old JURA malt for everyone to have a dram.

That was Friday. Saturday was the Jura Regatta blessed with pleasant weather. The new pontoons (with funding to develop The Antlers they were another achievement celebrated at the Civic Reception) came into their own. They made landing the boats and getting in and out so much easier than before. Everyone was able to see the races from the pontoon and the pier without too much congestion. The Wheeries (family entertainment band) kick-started the party in the evening with a midnight ceilidh performed by Tiree’s Skerryvore. In the best traditions, the sun was coming up over the bay as people began to think of going home..