This Month on Jura: MAY and JUNE 2011
The content of this page will be changed in late June 2011.
Medical Matters. It appears that two doctors from Islay will be appointed to by The Health Board to take charge of practice on Jura. Dr Knowles and Gibson recently held a public meeting on Jura to explain how they will run the practice. Islanders were assured that they would appoint a doctor who will stay on the island giving 24/7 coverage. Off duty cover will be shared with the other practices. It appears this is a novel solution, which may appeal to younger doctors. Further information will be available shortly on the new web site www.isleofjura.co.uk
The Paps of Jura Fell race will take place on Saturday the 28th. This annual event is very popular with many runners who bring their families to stay for the long weekend. The Isle of Jura Distillery sponsors the event. . Further information on the fell race can be found on www.jurafellrace.org.uk
Village Hall. Work is now complete on the refurbishment of the community hall. The ‘hall committee’ has done well to raise the required funds. A positive improvement for the island.
Regretfully it is unlikely that this heading will be used again on this page. It has been announced that Ardfin Farm is closing down. This is/was the largest farm on the island. The new owners feel that the livestock enterprise is a drain on financial resources. The cattle and sheep will by sold by the end of June. That will leave just over 100 breeding cows on the whole of the island. A very sad change to island life.
Jura Parish Church. Work is ongoing with the significant repairs to the church and will continue for several weeks more. A considerable amount of funds are required, much of which is coming from local individuals and groups. Approximately 18% is being put forward by the ‘Friends of Jura Parish Church’. This group involves a group of people who wish to support religious continuation on Jura. The great issue is, where is the minister? Are the Elders of the church really going to fight to have a minister? If not why are we spending all this money on a building, which is only used once a week? (With probably diminishing support). Any interested ministers out there? If you have suggestions let us have them at isleofjura@btinternet.com
Craighouse car parking. One of the problems identified in a survey undertaken several years ago was the need for more parking in the centre of the village of Craighouse. The Jura Hall Committee have been granted funding to undertaken the project as part of the hall renovation. We understand that planning consent has now been granted. A positive step for the island but will there actually be, anyone left on the island to park cars?
Direct Mainland Link. The previous Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate change had indicated that the Scottish Governments Ferry Review would consider a direct vehicular link for the Island of Jura. When the Review is eventually published- will it actually be there? There is a resurgent rise in support for the local company who wish to operate such a service. What dramatic changes will there be in 2011 with the changes in the Scottish Parliament?
Renewable Energy. Work has now started on the micro hydroelectric schemes on Inver Estate on the west side of the island. This unit will generate approximately 900kw, which is enough to power Jura and part of the Islay requirement. The aim is to have the unit ‘online’ by the end of this year. Plans are still progressing for a smaller unit of 100kw, on Ardlussa Estate at the north of the island. A central estate has submitted an application for a small wind turbine, as has an individual in the crofting townships. The ability for these producers to supply power in to the National Grid system is still a bit unclear but discussions are ongoing. The Jura Development Trust in conjunction with Ardlussa Estate is looking at producing a (fire) wood chain. Research is ongoing. Scottish Power Renewables Research’s application to Marine Scotland for consent to go ahead with the proposed tidal power units in the Sound of Islay has been approved. SPR and Islay Energy Trust hope to have the tidal turbines in operation by 2013-15.
Jura Community Business. The group has appointed an architect to design an industrial unit/building for the unused land on the site. If a suitable business can be found to operate on the site this will make a considerable benefit to the island. If you want to help this group use the following as your search engine http://jcb.easysearch.org.uk.
Passenger Ferry. At the time of writing it appears that this service will not operate this year.
Business Forum. A loosely amalgamated group has been formed to consider the main issues for the islands business community. Will it actually cover the true island businesses and will it be different from the other groups on the island or is it just going to be another tourist promoter? Wait and see.
Marine Park. The Scottish Marine Regions Consultation is now underway. What affect will this have on the islands? Who can tell but we do have to ask will the group listen to local comment?
New Crofts. The Crofters Commission has just approved the formation of 5 new crofts at the north end of the island. It will be interesting to see if any tenants appear. A similar scheme at the south of the island has so far been unsuccessful.
Mainland Ferries. It is rumored that a local company are in discussion with various parties regarding the design of a small fast vessel to operate on the Islay to mainland run. Can a small group compete against Cal-Mac?
Many of the Red Deer stags have lost their antlers now and the new growth is now showing. By the end of the month the first deer calves will be born. These speckled babies spend their first few days away from the herd, hiding in bracken patches, rushes, old heather, Molina grass and shrub trees. The mother will visit two or three times a day to suckle the calves. Within 10 days they will be running with the herd, even at this early stage the learning process has begun. Which tracks to follow, where the better grazing can be found, which side of the hill provides the best shelter on a windy night and what dangers to look out for. The only predator the fawns need fear on Jura is the Golden and Sea Eagle. Both these powerful birds are capable to taking a young calf, but it has to be said that this is not seen as a problem on the island. Another danger is unruly dogs, which can chase them into lochs, rivers and fences. If you come upon a deer calf please leave it alone. They may appear lost but the mother possibly knows where it is.
The first Common Seal pups will be born by the end of June in a few locations round the island. Birth takes place on exposed rocks, sandbanks or on the shore. Pups are able to swim just after birth.
Birds are now busy feeding their young, some of which have already left the nest. It is now easier for less experienced ornithologists to see birds as they search for food for their young. The chattering young make nest sites more obvious to humans but also to predators such as crows, gulls, birds of prey, stoats, otters and rats. May to August is possibly the easiest feeding time of year for many of the predators.