Isle of Jura, Scotland



(Above image illustrates the three mountains collectively known as the 'Paps of Jura'.)

© Nigel P Cole/Catswhiskerstours Limited

This evening, I am posting information on the Isle of Jura which lies off the west coast of Scotland in the chain of islands known as the Inner Hebrides. This is a remote and sparsely populated wilderness with key facts and information as follows:
  • Area 142 square miles.
  • Population about 200 persons which are outnumbered by some 5500 red deer. Due to their isolation these deer are of a pure blood line because they have not been hybridised.
  • Jura has been occupied by man since the Neolithic period, about 5000 years ago.
  • Separated from Islay to the south by the Sound of Islay across which the local ferry plies back and forth, transporting people and merchandise.
  • Principal settlement is the village of Craighouse on the south of the island.
  • At Craighouse can be found the Isle of Jura Distillery which has an excellent reputation for its single malt whisky.
  • The most notable geological feature is three close proximity mountains which collectively comprise the 'Paps of Jura'. These mountains rise to a height of 2575 feet.
  • Jura's best claim to international fame is as the temporary abode of writer, George Orwell who, during the period 1945-8, rented a remote house in the north of Jura where he produced the dystopian novel, Nineteen Eighty Four.
  • The name Jura is believed to be of Viking (Old Norse) origin which translates as 'deer isle'.
Jura landscape

Craighouse Harbour with prehistoric standing stone.


Whisky Distillery

Inter-island ferry



Landscape vista with red deer


 Highland Cow, Jura


 Craighouse, Jura

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