Jura for Argyll

Monday 16th June 2008 was a very significant date for the residents of the Isle of Jura and for everyone interested in visiting this beautiful and now far less remote island. Our new fast, scheduled passenger service, operated by Islay Sea Safari and running from Craighouse to Tayvallich on Loch Sween on the Kintyre peninsula launched on this date. The vessel is a comfortable Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) carrying twelve passengers and making the journey in around forty-five minutes. The schedule publishes a one-hour journey, to allow for occasional headwinds and sea conditions requiring a slower speed. With two return trips a day, direct access to Craighouse and connecting bus services to Lochgilphead from Tayvallich, a day trip in either direction is now a real option.

Although the service has only been running for over a week, it has already made a positive impact on the local economies at either end, with shops and hospitality businesses seeing a modest increase in trade from ferry users. We’ll be monitoring the numbers of passengers using the service and the economic impacts so stand by for regular updates.

Service details

• Booking is advised as the RIB carries twelve passengers. Phone 07768 450000 between 8am & 5pm.
• If you have booked and cannot travel, please advise the operator, to free up seat availability.
• The journey takes one hour and costs £15 single, £30 return.
• The schedule sees two return services a day, six days a week - there are no services on Tuesdays.
• Mondays and Fridays see departures from Craighouse at 7.00am and 17.00pm with departures from Tayvallich at 10.00am and 18.15pm.
• Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays see departures from Craighouse at 8.45am and 15.15pm; with departures from Tayvallich at 10.00am and 16.30pm
• Sundays see departures from Craighouse at 9.15m and 17.00pm; with departures from Tayvallich at 10.30am and 18.15pm.

Here are the full timetable details and also the timetables of connecting bus services to and from the nearby town of Lochgilphead and to and from Glasgow. The document in in pdf format. jura-passenger-ferry-timetable

Jura ‘Initiative at the Edge’ wishes to express its gratitude to Argyll and Bute Council, who have backed the project from its inception; HIE; Crown Estate; VisitScotland; and Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership who have all played their part. The practical support offered by Tayvallich Bay Association and Jura Development Trust ia also recognised; and this, together with the backing of local Community Councils, elected councilors and members of the communities on both sides of the Sound of Jura, has finally brought this important new service to life.