The
content of this page will be changed in early July.
Port Askaig pier. Work is still ongoing on the new Jura ferry berth. The new slip is unsuitable for the ferry at certain tides. Argyll & Bute Council, who are responsible for the service have arranged for minor alterations to be made. This should allow the vessel to make some use of the slip over the summer when the situation will be reviewed again. Jura Community Council has come under much criticism for having not forced A&B Council to sort the problem sooner. JCC point out that they have limited authority. A public meeting is to be held to discuss the ferry problems on the 1st of July.
The Ferrymen. Just published in a joint venture between the Feolin Study Centre and Dr Gary McKay, this book tells of the lives of the men who operate the vessels in these waters. Order one from us at director@theisleofjura.co.uk or floatresearch@btinternet.com – only 12 pounds plus 2 pounds shipping in the UK.
Passenger Ferry. The Jura IatE group and Argyll & Bute Council now have the project in hand. The service from Craighouse to Tayvallich will start on the 16th of June.
Gaelic. Feolin Study Centre have now come to an agreement with a nativel Gaelic speaker who will transcribe the many tapes we have in our archive of Jura Gaelic and tales. At present work is being done on an ad-hoc voluntary basis but we hope to raise finance to allow the project to progress. Anyone out there who has an interest in promoting the Jura dialect please get in touch.
The Paps of Jura Fell race took place over the weekend of Saturday the 24th May. This annual event was a great success again, with tremendous weather enjoyed by all. The fell race weekend links into the start of the Whisky Festival week, which is now Jura’s busiest time of the year. The Isle of Jura Distillery sponsors the event, which provides much needed income for the small businesses on the island. Further information on the fell race can be found on www.jurafellrace.org.uk
Renewable Energy. Research has started into the possibility of tidal power units in the Sound of Islay. It would appear there are lots of opportunities but we shall need to await the results of the research. Some on Jura are questioning why this is being led solely by an Islay based group, why is there no Jura involvement. Two of the islands estates are looking at micro hydroelectric schemes, which may be operational by the end of 2009. During the winter these could generate enough power to cover Jura’s entire electricity requirement.
The grass is now growing, although slowly. The very dry weather (only 89mm or 3.5inches of rain in two months) is great for the humans, insects and bird life but not so good for the herbivores. The peaty type soils, which cover most of the island, actually need quite a bit of moisture to generate plant growth.
The appearance of deer calves seems to be even later this year. These speckled babies spend their first few days away from the herd, hiding in bracken patches, rushes, old heather, Molina grass and shrub trees. The mother will visit two or three times’s a day to suckle the calves. Within 10 days they will be running with the herd, even at this early stage the learning process has begun. Which tracks to follow, where the better grazing can be found, which side of the hill provides the best shelter on a windy night and what dangers to look out for. The only predator the fawns need fear on Jura is the Golden and Sea Eagle. Both these powerful birds are capable to taking a young calf, but it has to be said that this is not seen as a problem on the island. Another danger is unruly dogs, which can chase them into lochs, rivers and fences. If you come upon a deer calf please leave it alone. They may appear lost but the mother possibly knows where it is.
The first Common Seal pups will be born by the end of June in a few locations round the island. Birth takes place on exposed rocks, sandbanks or on the shore. Pups are able to swim just after birth.
Birds are now busy feeding their young, some of which have already left the nest. It is now easier for less experienced ornithologists to see birds as they search for food for their young. The chattering young make nest sites more obvious to humans but also to predators such as crows, gulls, birds of prey, stoats, otters and rats. May to August is possibly the easiest feeding time of year for many of the predators.
It is disappointing to hear that the islands only salmon farm is now closed for good. The three employees, who all stay on the neighbouring island of Islay, have now been informed of the decision. In financial terms the fish farm was the islands second largest industry. Another blow to the island economy, which may have long-term repercussions.
Brown Trout fishing is now in full swing. A few Seatrout have been spotted and caught around the coastline but it is still early for Salmon in this area. Jura has a wide variety of lochs which suit the learner (lot of fish) and the more experienced who are looking for that elusive ‘big’ fish. The island is well worth a visit for it’s fishing alone.