![]() ![]() ![]() If the price is too high too few passengers use the ferry, lower the price and the revenue drops, in both cases the council has to pick up the bill. I personally think it's a chicken and egg situation. Although Argyll and Bute Council has decided back in the spring of 2008 to financially support the Jura passenger ferry it now looks as if the financial future and with that the future of the ferry is very uncertain. There are ferry problems on Islay's neighbouring island, the Isle of Jura. Following handover and as part of the tidy up phase of the project the road which has been put in to facilitate the laying of the large water pipes will be completely reinstated to its natural pre-contract state. The water levels in the Glenastle Lochs (the two lochs will become one large loch as the glen is flooded) are still very low and there was still a normal flow of water down the river system. Although cosmetic work is still being carried out on the dam it is due to be handed over on Monday and will be producing electricity shortly afterwards. On the way up I spoke to one of the workers at the new hydro dam which is being built on Inver Estate. After that it was a quick trip back to the bike and an easy and fast run down the track to the ferry. ![]() It is a dramatic spot with cliffs rising sheer on either side, the Garbh Lochanns at the bottom and the best aspect of Beinn Caolais (the hill of the narrows) ahead. This gully is fairly steep, especially the entrance and is full of loose scree for its full length. Having ditched the bike earlier with a view to making a circular route, and after a bite to eat and some photo’s on the summit I descended down the right hand scree gully. This ridge ascends in a gradual sweep around Loch an Oir with the only steep bit the final few hundred feet. With a few detours I headed for a part of the hill normally hidden from view on Islay which is the ridge on the north side of Beinn an Oir. It worked in complete reverse to my last trip to Beinn Caolais earlier in the year when it was clear right until ten minutes from the summit when it clouded over, this time it cleared as I went. The forecast was for an improvement so I decided to head over anyway and was glad I did. When I arrived at Port Askaig the cloud was completely covering the Paps and I seriously considered plan B which was a cycle out to Bholsa. Niall: The initial intention was to see how far up the highest Pap, Beinn an Oir (the mountain of gold) I could get my bike as the ground here is fairly dry at the moment. In between the pictures you can find Niall's comments. Niall Colthart was kind enough to sent me ten breathtaking images of a trip he made yesterday up the Paps of Jura. Dram Fyne - In partnership with renowned craft beer brewers, Fyne Ales, tickets are now on sale for this sweet and smoky themed beer pairing, putting some well hopped IPAs to the test alongside Jura whisky.Today I'm taking you on a virtual tour to the neighbouring island of Jura.Dine the Different Sides of Jura - An eclectic sweet and smoky menu from Jimmy’s pop up – taking their renowned pop up dining concept out of London for a one-of-a-kind whisky pairing.The schedule has something for everyone – but whisky fans will have to be quick – 95 per cent of tickets for last year’s event sold out in just 24 hours. The event on Jura invites guests to experience the island’s only distillery, while exploring the many different ways to enjoy its whisky through live entertainment, sensory tastings and exclusive tours. Tastival is Jura’s two day contribution to the Feis Isle Festival, which attracts whisky aficionados from all over the world to distillery open days each year. Tickets today (Tuesday 12th April) go on sale for Jura Tastival 2016 - back on the 25th and of 26th May - to inspire new and exciting ways to enjoy Jura Single Malt Whisky. ![]()
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