The year on Jura, month by month
Burns Supper, Fell Race, Fèis Ìle, Regatta, Music Festival, Christmas Fair. For 250 people, we keep ourselves busy.
January — Hogmanay/ First Footings. If you happen to be here there's a good chance you'll be invited along. Houses are open, drams are flowing and Graeme will get his pipes out to see in the new year whatever the weather.
January — Burns Supper. Haggis, whisky, poetry. The whole community in the Village Hall. If you're here in January, you're invited. It's a highlight of the winter.
February/ March — Jura Bake Off. Exactly what it sounds like. Competitive baking, community judging, and a lot of cake. Not to be taken lightly. We're a very serious bunch.
May — The Jura Fell Race. 16 miles, 7 summits including the three Paps, 7,500 feet of climbing. The men's record is 3 hours 6 minutes. The women's is 3:45. The whole island comes out to watch the start and finish. Even if you're not running, it's an extraordinary thing to witness - these people are superhuman. The race has been going since the 1970s and it's a pilgrimage for fell runners. And of course a big ceilidh in the village hall after.
Late May — Fèis Ìle (Islay & Jura Whisky Festival). Mainly an Islay event, but Jura has its own day. The distillery opens up, there are special bottlings, and both islands are absolutely packed. Book accommodation and ferries months ahead if you're coming for this - it's the busiest week of the year. For whisky fans it's one of those great things to do, but love it or hate it: book early.
July — Ardlussa Sports Day. Traditional Highland Games, Jura style; at Ardlussa House at the north end of the island. A proper community day. Everyone welcome.
August — The Regatta. Jura at its most sociable. Boat races, shore events, the pub overflowing, everyone out. If you want to see the community at its best, this is a good weekend to do it.
September — Jura Music Festival. Live music across the island. Intimate gigs in the Village Hall, impromptu sessions in the pub. Highland dancing. Workshops to get involved in. Story telling workshops for kids. The kind of festival where you're three feet from the musicians.
December — Christmas Fair. The Village Hall again. Crafts, food, mulled wine, community. A good excuse to come in winter. And winter on Jura is special - dark skies, wild weather, hot tubs, and nobody else.