Jura Ferry - Council Press Release

JURA FERRY

Argyll and Bute Council has ensured that Jura residents and visitors have not been without a vehicular ferry for more than a few hours over the past week, despite the breakdown of the regular vessel the Eilean Dhiura. The original replacement boat secured by the authority to cover the Islay-Jura route, the Margaret Sinclair, had to leave to fulfil another contract on Sunday afternoon. However, the Council managed to secure the services of a Calmac vessel, which arrived on site on Sunday evening and will remain in operation until the Eilean Dhiura returns later in the week. Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesperson on Transportation and Infrastructure, Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, said: “It is obviously extremely disappointing for all concerned that this situation arose in the first place, and we were very aware of how the lack of a vehicular ferry impacts on the local community in Jura.  “Our officers scoured the country for a replacement vessel, and I am delighted that they managed to get another one in place so soon.” The Eilean Dhiura is due to return on Thursday, subject to satisfactory sea trials.