Last month I wrote about the Jura Shop. The current owners, Steve and Bev Martin, were looking for ways to sell the shop but there was no interested buyer. This could potentially become a serious situation, or better a disaster, if the Isle of Jura wouldn’t have a shop anymore. The nearest shops are on the Isle of Islay, in Port Askaig, Bridgend and Bowmore. That’s a lengthy drive from Craighouse and even worse for people who live north of Craighouse. That’s why the residents started an initiative for a buy-out so they could become the owners and keep the shop open. Today Herald Scotland wrote on their website that the residents on the Islay voted in favour of the buy-out. A quote:
Some 173 inhabitants were entitled to vote. A total of 139 exercised that right, with one spoilt paper, 31 votes against the idea and 107 votes, 76.9%, in favour. They approached the community-led Jura Development Trust, which has applied successfully to Scottish ministers to exercise a Community Right to Buy under land reform legislation. The Scottish Government appointed an independent valuer who has put a price of £95,000 on the business. The community has already received development funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Big Lottery to work on the shop project, and the islanders are desperately hoping that these bodies will help fund the purchase now, as widely expected, the community has voted to proceed.
great news!
I am delighted for all the residents of Jura for whom the shop is surely vital, and jolly useful for the visitor as well!
I discovered your blog today when my son sent me a link about the death of Duncan Buie. My husband is a Buie and is distantly related to Duncan. My husband’s ancestors were crofters on the Ard Fin property. Our entire family (2 adults/4 children) visited Jura in June of 1999. We met Duncan. We stayed 3 nights at the Jura Hotel, walked the streets, shopped in the grocery and ate in the pub. We drove up the island to the parrish, cemetary and beyond. We also walked the grounds and gardens of Ard Fin while a hired photographer took many family pictures. As I write this, I can look at one of the pictures, enlarged, framed and hanging on the wall. We are standing at the bottom of the gravel road from the main island road down to the farm buildings on Ard Fin. The farm dog even managed to work his way into the picture. We are all saddened to learn of Duncan’s death and closure of the Ard Fin property. We hope to return to Jura soon.
Yes, it’s very good news, and a big ‘well done’ to those hard-working and diplomatic residents of Jura who have brought the scheme to this stage.