Our main reason for a return visit to Islay was to journey across to the Island of Jura. For this purpose we decided to take the car, which would allow us easier access to the island rather than take the Motorhome. From Port Askaig it is a short hop across the Sound of Islay on the Feolin Ferry.
The day of our sailing could not have been better, warm and sunny, with not a cloud in the sky, which i agree was rare at this time of year. Only one very narrow single road exists on Jura running from the ferry to Lussagiven Road end which is approx 24 miles . Jura is famous for is three distinctive conical peaks known as the Paps of Jura and Barnhill where George Orwell wrote ‘1984’ in 1949.
Craighouse is the islands main town, some 8 miles from Feolin, where most of the islands population live. It has a small sheltered harbour protected by a string of islets known as the Small Isles. It has a small community shop and post office, a Bistro/Restaurant, a rather grand hotel and the world famous Isle of Jura whisky distillery.
We spent a very enjoyable day and managed to take in a rather interesting walk which included one of the oldest settlements on the island and an ancient burial ground.
Keils lies in a fold of the land and cannot be seen from the main road. The old crofting township has been replaced by a new settlement but some of the walls of the original buildings can still be seen. The 1841 census records 22 houses and 102 people. The population declined throughout the 20th century but with the reallocation of crofts has begun to halt the decline.
Further up the path is ancient Kilearnadil, Jura’s main burial ground. Within it lie several beautiful, intricately, carved medieval grave slabs as well as the Campbell Mausoleum. As you enter the graveyard can be seen a plaque commemorating Gillour McCrain who is reputed to have spent 180 Christmases in his own home in the reign of Charles 1.
Jura Parish Church dates back to 1766, the original estimate for building cost was £115. Rebuilds and improvements have taken place over the years.
As normal with Scotland, people were moved off the land to make ready for sheep. Today much of the island is given over to deer stalking.
No comments:
Post a Comment