This page provides a
rudimentary information on
the economy of the island. It is produced to give further insight into
island
life and perhaps stimulate your ‘business’ interest in Jura. We hope
that you
will find time to read it. A lot of the information is
drawn from
reports produced in 2002, 1998 and 1971; where possible figures have
been
updated. This group (Feolin Study Centre, Jura) intends to promote,
develop,
and encourage business expansion, education and interest on the island.
Individuals who have a desire to see the island prosper are also doing
their
part. Jura
Development Trust is a community group set up several years
ago to
promote the island. The Initiative at The Edge Committee has just been
formed
in conjunction with public agencies. The intention is that they will
develop
a long-term development strategy for the Isle of Jura.
Jura has a varied business establishment ranging from the international company, the rich (in modern times often poor) landowner, public funded institutions, community groups and the sole proprietor to the part time business. When doing research it is sometimes hard to distinguish between the part time business and a hobby. Each has its niche in the fragile economy and its rise or fall, even the hobby business, can affect profitability for others. The one great factor, which affects everyone, both in good and bad terms, is the fact that Jura is an island.
Access is of foremost importance to any business or individual on the island. Both in terms of physically getting to and from here and in the financial cost of passenger, car or freight. Any change in the types or cost of service to the island can have a fairly dramatic affect on business or private lives. Argyll & Bute Council have in the last few months (2004) increased the Jura to Islay ferry fares by 20%. This is an incredible blow to regular business users. Jura is fairly unique in that it has no (major) direct mainland contact so there is an additional cost of the fare from Islay to the mainland.
That being said some business does survive and on rare occasions thrive on the island. The most obviious being the Isle of Jura Distillery. It is the model of what is required to make a product a success. Good water with a good workforce provides a desirable product, with a great brand name, which you can find on the map, unlike the various names of its competitors across the water.
Regretfully some of the newer projects are struggling, in some cases due to external forces and some times due to constraints in available labour. Jura Fine Foods Ltd. has stopped supplying beef to the local hotel and shops because of the closure of the abattoir on Islay; to have an animal from Jura slaughtered now involves a road journey in excess of 100 miles and two ferry crossings. This is not what one wouldcall animal friendly. Ballard Corporate Entertainment was set up to bring corporate clients to the island, however due to other commitments the owner is unable to give the project his full attention. The ever-increasing burden of insurance means that there is not enough margin to justify employing someone to run the business.
Hopefully these are just glitches and both enterprises will again develop in the years to come. Encouraging points are that the Feolin Study Centre has employed and brought some one new to the island. In the next few months another business is due to expand with the provision of new premises. The IatE group will shortly employ a person for three years. All these are positive aspects for the island.
Jura has a varied business establishment ranging from the international company, the rich (in modern times often poor) landowner, public funded institutions, community groups and the sole proprietor to the part time business. When doing research it is sometimes hard to distinguish between the part time business and a hobby. Each has its niche in the fragile economy and its rise or fall, even the hobby business, can affect profitability for others. The one great factor, which affects everyone, both in good and bad terms, is the fact that Jura is an island.
A unique example of the
changing economy
of Jura is Inverlussa. The house above was
built as a slate quarry worker's house in the
19th century, but is now let as a holiday home.
of Jura is Inverlussa. The house above was
built as a slate quarry worker's house in the
19th century, but is now let as a holiday home.
Access is of foremost importance to any business or individual on the island. Both in terms of physically getting to and from here and in the financial cost of passenger, car or freight. Any change in the types or cost of service to the island can have a fairly dramatic affect on business or private lives. Argyll & Bute Council have in the last few months (2004) increased the Jura to Islay ferry fares by 20%. This is an incredible blow to regular business users. Jura is fairly unique in that it has no (major) direct mainland contact so there is an additional cost of the fare from Islay to the mainland.
That being said some business does survive and on rare occasions thrive on the island. The most obviious being the Isle of Jura Distillery. It is the model of what is required to make a product a success. Good water with a good workforce provides a desirable product, with a great brand name, which you can find on the map, unlike the various names of its competitors across the water.
Regretfully some of the newer projects are struggling, in some cases due to external forces and some times due to constraints in available labour. Jura Fine Foods Ltd. has stopped supplying beef to the local hotel and shops because of the closure of the abattoir on Islay; to have an animal from Jura slaughtered now involves a road journey in excess of 100 miles and two ferry crossings. This is not what one wouldcall animal friendly. Ballard Corporate Entertainment was set up to bring corporate clients to the island, however due to other commitments the owner is unable to give the project his full attention. The ever-increasing burden of insurance means that there is not enough margin to justify employing someone to run the business.
Hopefully these are just glitches and both enterprises will again develop in the years to come. Encouraging points are that the Feolin Study Centre has employed and brought some one new to the island. In the next few months another business is due to expand with the provision of new premises. The IatE group will shortly employ a person for three years. All these are positive aspects for the island.