John Potts, chairman of the Isle of Jura Development Trust wrote the following article for the Ileach. The Directors of Jura Development Trust are disappointed that the continuation of the Craighouse to Tayvallich Passenger Ferry service which is of massive economic benefit to the Isle of Jura and Argyll tourism is not supported in the Draft Scottish Ferries Review.

Commenting on the draft proposals Jura Development Trust secretary Peter Wotherspoon said, “We support in principle the idea that a trip to the mainland will cost the same for a Diùrach as an Ìleach. The proposal to include the trip across the Sound of Islay in the fare to the mainland and not as an additional cost of over £15 for a car and passenger is particularly welcome.”

We are pleased that the Government supports the need for more ferries to use Port Askaig terminal. Their support is recognition that the 60 mile round trip across Islay for the people of Jura and our visitors to catch ferries at Port Ellen is an undue burden on us. We welcome also the planned introduction of the Road Equivalent Tariff because it offers a potential boost for tourism.

The lifeline Islay to Jura ferry link remains crucial to the community on the island, but the fact that the journey is currently one of the most expensive in Scotland is extremely detrimental. The Trust looks forward to contributing to the consultation on its future. We welcome the offer to finance the passenger ferry in the short term during 2012 whilst proposals for improved mainland travel from Jura are implemented.