News from the Isle of Jura for Jan / Feb 2005

Christmas and New Year

For the first time in several years and much to (almost) everyone’s delight, Jura woke up to a blanket of snow on Christmas day. I say almost because the lads who man the gritting trucks probably were not too happy especially one chap who also looks after the water and electricity supplies! It was a busy day for him!!

While Christmas on Jura tends to be a quiet family affair, Hogmanay (New Year) is a wild time of celebrations. It’;s the only night of the year when the pub is empty before midnight (except sometimes for the odd bewildered visitor) as people head to their own homes to “bring in the bells”. Then it’s off first footing around friends and neighbours with most people ending up in the village hall at some point of the night for a Ceilidh.

After the terrible events in South East Asia, it was decided this year to hold a fundraising party in the hall after the bells. This was a great success with £860 raised on the night (not bad for a wee place like Jura). With collection bottles doing the rounds for the next couple of weeks, a grand total of just over £1600 was sent to the appeal.

Burns night

Another excuse for a party, as Jura remembers the Bard, Robbie Burns. The traditional supper of haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) was held in the village hall at the end of January with poetry, song music and dancing keeping everyone entertained until the wee sma hours.

Jura’s doctor

No fewer than 36 applications were received and the latest news is that a new doctor has finally been appointed. It’s amazing what a bit of press coverage can do!

Well, the weather got the better of me and I didn’t get any more photo’s of or from the Lairds’s View (as it has now been christened) when I was on Jura at New Year. Keep an eye on the Laird of Jura site, though, as we hope to have some new pictures up shortly.

During the spring, we hope to put a couple of picnic tables on the site and carry out some bracken control. This is merely to enhance the estate for any visiting Lairds and in no way will
it be over developed.

Isle of Jura Gifts

Within the next couple of weeks, the Isle of Jura gift shop will be on line. Go to www.isleofjuragifts.com to purchase some unique gifts from the island and also books about Jura.

Next time, I hope to bring you a story from Jura’s past and more news about the Isle of Jura gift shop.
Slainte
David