I just read this article in the Herald about the problems with the current Jura Ferry ‘Eilean Dhiura’. It seems that the usual relief ferry is called to Mull leaving the connection between Islay and Jura without a ferry. Below a quote from the article:
The Isle of Jura faces being effectively cut off this week after being left without a car ferry service. Residents on Jura fear for tourism and safety after its normal car link was forced to withdraw due to a mechanical fault. The island’s distillery has been forced to halt production without its ferry lifeline. It is the latest chapter in a story of mishaps to the vital service which links Jura and its 210 islanders to the neighbouring island of Islay. The ferry, which can carry eight cars, is called on if a fire engine is needed on Jura, or if an ambulance has to take a patient off the island. Tourists use it to take their cars over for holidays whether in the hotel, bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation.
Island resident Gwen Boardman said: “If we have to rely on the fishing boat for a whole week I dread to think of how difficult life is going to be. It is certainly not suitable for the elderly, infirm or the very young, and the logistics of bringing on to the island the daily necessities of life will be extremely difficult. “Anyone coming back after medical treatment or operations won’t be able to get home. Every business on the island will be adversely affected. Unless a replacement boat can be found and quickly it is going to be a nightmare situation.” Steve Walton, manager of the Isle of Jura Hotel, said: “We are having to ring round everybody who has booked to tell them what is happening”.
The picture shows the Margaret Sinclair relief ferry who operated the Port Askaig to Feolin route in March this year. Without the vehicle ferry in operation the Isle of Jura distillery will probably shut down or has already shut down. If there is any further news I will try to update the blog!
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