Jura Ferry

Jura Ferry

Location Map ( geo)

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From:

Port Askaig, Islay

To:

Feolin Ferry, Jura

Distance:

4.3 km (2.7 miles)

County

Argyll

Current Operator

ASP Ship Management Ltd on behalf of Argyll & Bute council

Toll

£15 (Cars)

On road(s)

A846

The main vehicle ferry to Jura operates across the Sound of Islay from Port Askaig on Islay. The crossing takes about 5 minutes. It is a bone of contention amongst residents that they do not have a direct link to the mainland, despite the shuttle service to Islay operating being timetable to link directly with the Islay - Kennacraig services.

Following the improvements made to Port Askaig Pier in 2009, in readiness for the new ferry Finlaggan, there were major problems in berthing the Jura ferry, causing a lot of bad feeling amongst the island's residents. While these issues appear to have been resolved, the ill-feeling lingers on.

History

In the past, and surviving until the late 1970s / early 80s, there was a direct mainland car ferry from Jura. This crossed from Lagg Bay on Jura to Keils at the end of the B8025.

Tayvallich Passenger Ferry

In 2009-11 there was a summer passenger service operating from Tayvallich on the mainland to Craighouse on Jura. While the ferry was well used, it was heavily subsidised, at a seemingly uneconomic level. The 2012 draft plan (see below) said that the service was not cost effective, and the implication is that no further subsidy will be available after 2012.

2012 Draft Ferries Plan

In late 2011 the Scottish Government released the draft ferries plan for the coming 10 years. The main benefit to Jura is the proposal to provide a free crossing to Islay on the production of a ticket for the Mainland Ferry from Port Askaig. Whether this would be valid all day on the day of sail, or just on the crossings immediately before the mainland ferry departs is not mentioned.

Unfortunately the slips on Jura are not able to accommodate the Finlaggan ferry that operates on the Islay routes. The cost of upgrading them is seen as prohibitive, so a triangular service has been ruled out in the short-medium term. However, within the provisions of the draft plan, it will be possible, if not preferable, for this service to be taken on by Calmac, which may see further investment in the infrastructure and a significant improvement in the service offered to Jura.