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Island of the Inner Hebrides off Great Britain
Photo: Walter Baxter, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jura (Gaelic Diùra) is an island in the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland. It's 30 miles long by 7 miles wide, with a population of only 196 in 2011. It has poor boggy soil and three conical hills known as the Paps of Jura. It's on the same latitude as Edinburgh and Glasgow and lies within 5 miles of the mainland, yet feels very remote, with bleak terrain and lack of direct transport links. Most visitors come here as part of a trip to nearby Islay.
Cafe and takeaway, one of Jura's few places for lunch so there can be a long wait. Pleasant decked area to watch the world go by.
Founded in 1810, it's been in and out of use, with the present run from 1963. It's owned by Whyte and Mackay, which since 2014 has been part of Emperador. The range of single malts are typically lightly smoky and peaty, with a distinctive sherry-sweetness.
This could be a game-changer for Jura: a luxury "destination" hotel on an island with limited other amusements. Farm buildings have been converted to 13 upscale hotel rooms, max occupancy two adults. Guests have the use of the private golf course. Nearby Jura House has been extended and is available for exclusive hire.
A trad hotel with 17 bedrooms in the main village, with restaurant and bar. It is the centre of Jura's social life, and they get very busy during annual events or on the night of a ceilidh. It was family-owned until 2021 then sold to Ardfin Estate, who intend to continue it as before.
The remote cottage where George Orwell wrote 1984, can be rented for self-catering by the week. No mains electricity but there's a small generator, gas-powered fridge, and coal-fired Rayburn for hot water. You'll need to be self-sufficient for food, and get here by 4X4 up the rough track, or arrange a boat to bring you in and out.
Two-bedroom self-catering cottage with sea views over Small Isles Bay.
This stocks fresh and frozen food and other necessities. They take orders and can deliver. It's also the Post Office and a branch of Spar.
You usually get here by boat via Islay — see that page for long-distance travel options.
Read in the guideBy bus: The only public bus along Jura's only road is Bus 456 operated by Garelochhead Coaches (+44 1436 810200).40. It continues north to road's end at Inverlussa twice a day, more often on school days.
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Isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute · Regional · ILY
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