FAQs
CALMAC SUMMER 2024 - Port Askaig Closure
Port Askaig is getting a facelift this summer and for 6 weeks will be closed for CALMAC ferries only from 18th July. The Wee Ferry will still go as usual to get guests over to Jura. It's causing a bit of inconvenience for those on Jura as all ferries are going to Port Ellen, but that's only a 30 min drive to Port Askaig so still doable..
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I WANT TO COME BY PASSENGER FERRY CAN YOU PICK ME UP?
Yes for a small fee to cover time and petrol we can come and pick you up if we're here, if we're not here then we can organise a taxi or someone else to pick you up. We are about a 50 min walk from Craighouse (5km). You can also hire bikes off Jura Bike Hire and have them left down at the pier for your arrival.
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IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
Our water comes from the loch up on the hill, beneath the paps. You will notice it has a brown tinge which is due to the peat. As a family, we were drinking it untreated for 4 years during the build without any unpleasant side effects. Since opening to guests, we have installed a comprehensive filter system: Now the water goes through 6 stages of filtering; Sediment filter to 10 micron > PH adjuster > Organic Scavenger > 5 micron filter > UV filter > pump! It has passed all health and safety tests, except colour, so please rest assured whilst it might look like you’re drinking or bathing in whisky it is completely safe to drink. And lie in!
IS THERE PHONE SIGNAL?
EE gets the best reception on Jura. A new mast has recently gone up and most people can get reception here, however there are still some black spots.
IS THERE INTERNET?
Yes he cottage has BT broadband and the huts have mobile broadband.
IS THERE A BLUETOOTH SPEAKER?
Yes all huts have a bluetooth speaker and charger.
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CAN WE RECYCLE OUR RUBBISH?
Yes, you will find a box outside the accommodation for recycling paper, cardboard, tins, plastic food containers and glass. Thank you for sorting. We currently don't have a compost bin, but this is coming.
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
Yes. 2 max in each accommodation. Whilst I know cuddles on furniture and beds are lovely, I am that dog owner, with respect to other guests, please can I ask you not to encourage bedtime, or daytime, cuddles until you are back at home. There should be Poo Bags within the accommodation, please let me know if you run out. And for very messy doggo, and for that matter human, whoopsies, there are cleaning products under the sink.
The Extra Important Bit Re. Dogs!
Knockrome is a crofting settlement, and as such Crofters have a right to allow their chickens, sheep and cows to roam freely; which they do, everywhere! It’s part of a way of life, and we love it. To that end, you should absolutely keep your dog on a lead at all times when outside of the garden. The crofters won’t blink an eye at putting a dog down if it worries livestock. Please don’t let it be your dog next!
IS THERE A WOOD BURNING STOVE AND DO YOU SUPPLY LOGS?
The main source of heat for all the accommodations is by the log burning stoves. We start you off with a couple of baskets of wood, and you can find more in the log store behind the entrance porch. We have a fee of £10 a crate, which is payable by dropping the cash in the honesty box, or you can settle a firewood bill on departure. Alternatively you can buy bags of wood at the shop in the village.
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There is a quick and very helpful guide to starting and maintaining a fire in a wood burning stove here at https://fireplaceuniverse.com/how-to-control-wood-burning-stove.
WHAT DO YOU PROVIDE?
We provide toilet roll, shower gel, hand wash, washing up liquid, tea towels, kitchen roll, tin foil, towels and bedding, and robes for the cottage. There should be ample tea, coffee, sugar, oil also. We provide two crates of logs per accommodation per stay.
SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF THE WOODEN WORKTOPS
Yes please!!!! (Obvioulsy not a frequently asked question, but since you're here!!!) There was a difference of opinions when it came to choosing the material for the kitchen worktop. I desperately wanted the wood (and won) even knowing it takes a lot of care to maintain it. Husband wanted laminate, which in my opinion would have spoiled the finish. I know you are nodding in agreement right now…
Please help me keep the Naysayer at bay! I have left lots of cork mats to place hot pans on, and if you can dry off any excess water around the sink, I will remain both victorious, and grateful!
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THINGS TO MAKE YOUR STAY COMFORTABLE
There are towelling robes by the bed for you to use to get you too and from Saunas and Plunges! You should find lots of books, information leaflets, maps, midge spray, midge hats and nets, electric and solar candles, aromatherapy oils in the sauna. The hot tub area is lit with fairy lights too.
HOW DO WE GET THE WOOD FIRED HOT TUB GOING?
Simple answer is to read the instructions. Everything you need to know is there, but in a nutshell you will have to nurture the fire, by standing over it or near it for the first 30-40 mins. If you don't nurture it and feed it with new logs and make sure it is roaring then it will not heat the water. Please don't light until the hot tub is full and please don't empty until the next day when it has cooled.
If you’re particularly grubby after a hard day slogging around the bogs of Jura, a good idea is to take a shower before using the hot tub. This preserves the water for your next use and prevents the build up from clogging the pipes.
When getting the tub heated, the thing to remember is ‘flames, flames, flames’. You need to build a really strong, hot fire underneath the flue. Once it gets going it’s amazing, and heats up in 1.5 – 2hrs. Please do not drain the water until it has cooled down, it will damage the stove box if there is no water surrounding it when it is hot.
IS THERE A SAUNA?
Yes but only for cottage guests sorry. The sauna heats up super quick! As it takes only 10 mins to get to temperature, please can I ask you to be mindful of electricity, and only switch on the Sauna when you’re ready to go in and turn it off when you have finished. Set timer then set the temperature to 80 or so and make sure the orange spark button is lit. Please do not drop oils directly onto the hot stones. A few drops of oil can go into the water and onto the stones, but never directly onto the stones.
IS THERE AN OUTDOOR SHOWER?
Currently only in the cottage also. Cold water only and perfect for using after a sauna, and for brave people who want a cold hose down before jumping into the hot tub. Unfortunately the frost got the better of the soft copper last winter and has burst it. You will have to use the hose instead to cool down.
IS THERE AN ICE BATH BARREL - NEW FOR 2024?
Yes!! For everyone!
PLEASE DON’T USE THE BARREL IN THE GARDEN (this is now decorative only as it was too much upkeep to keep it sanitised and fresh for guests). We now have a filtered chilled ice barrel up at our shed to use. Please get in touch with us and you can use it, we just ask guests to shower before use. It is 3 degrees. 2-5 mins is all you need! Please use the
HOW CAN I GET ABOUT ON JURA WITHOUT A CAR?
Jura Taxis Gordon: 01496 820 366 or Mobile: 07803 198 320
Jura Bus: The No. 456 service runs between Feolin and Lussa, stopping at Ardfin, Craighouse, Three Arch Bridge, Knockrome and Lagg along the way.
Timetable: https://www.garelochheadcoaches.co.uk/bus-services/456/
Jura Bike Hire: Sam Robb 07823 889 503 samrobb2002@hotmail.com
Jura Boat Tours: Robert Henry 07976 280195 info@juraboattours.co.uk
WHERE CAN I EAT ON JURA?
The Antlers 01496 305317
The Island Bakehouse (on Facebook) or Email Kirsty: islandbakehouse@icloud.com
Jura Hotel +44 (0)1496 820243
Tea on The Beach - just turn up, Inverlussa Beach
Seafood – in the village next to The Antlers Richard has seafood
Jane’s Fish Van every Thursday in the village (order on Monday or just turn up)
Deer Island Rum – Craighouse Big Pier http://www.deerisland.co.uk/
Jura Distillery - 01496 820385 https://www.jurawhisky.com/
Lussa Gin - The Stables, Ardlussa 01496 820196 https://www.lussagin.com/
