Jura for Argyll

The first of August was our Civic Reception in celebration of the first ferry direct to mainland Argyll for thirty six years. The Herald - in half a page of coverage of the event - has noted that a MacBrayne’s ferry called at Craighouse Pier for the last time in 1972. For Argyll has another news item on it and has carried several news items on the successful new ferry service and our other achievements. We’re on our way.

Civic Reception day went well, started off drizzly, but the sun came out for the funders return trip to the mainland, so they got to experience both kinds of journey. Our resident piper greeted the mainland visitors and the press, the Village Hall committee provided a delicious spread of cakes, sandwiches and nibbles and, with appropriate opportunism we ran 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 a LOT 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 we began to think of going home..