The Isle of Jura
For those of you do not know the Isle of Jura we offer a brief introduction to it.
Situated within the Inner Hebrides, Jura is the fourth largest island at 43km (27 miles) long and varying from 3 to 13km (2-8 miles) in width. The name Jura, means deer island, which is not surprising as around 6,000 of them live and roam the rugged landscapes.
The Scottish mainland is just over 8km to the east, and Jura’s nearest neighbour, the Isle of Islay is only some 900 metres away, across the rapidly flowing Sound of Islay. The Isle of Colonsay, the uninhabited Isle of Scarba and the Mull of Kintyre are all within 15km to the northwest, while the Holy Isle, Iona is some distance at 40km to the northwest.
On a clear day the coast of Northern Ireland can be seen in the distant southwest. To the far northeast it’s possible to view the Arran hills, Ben Lomond and sometimes the Cruachan mountain range. But in whichever direction you look, you’ll see amazing far-reaching views to melt your heart. Jura is set in a truly magnificent scenic paradise.
Its 115 miles of unspoiled coastline combines a wide range of interesting features, from caves and cliffs to raised beaches and long stretches of almost pure white sand. Rising within the confines of the island like monumental beacons are the mountainous ‘Paps of Jura’, which soar skywards to almost 2600ft and consist mainly of pure quartzite.
The Inhabitants
Amidst the mountains, rivers, lochs, wetlands and woodlands you’ll find many species of rare flora and fauna. Around 6,000 red deer live here, and share their stately habitat with wild goats, rabbits, hares, stoats, otters, eagles and many other wild birds. The bays around the shores are fast becoming a favourite haunt of seals, dolphins and porpoises, whilst a fleeting glance out towards the sea might capture sight of an orca or minke whale.
Jura has a population of less than 200 people who live and work mainly around Craighouse, its capital. In the heart of the small village you’ll find the 18 room Jura Hotel, a single shop and a distillery, where you’ll find some of the finest malt whisky in all of Scotland. There is only one single track road on Jura. It starts at Feolin and ends at Lealt in the north and is around 30 miles long. From this point a single track leads to Barnhill, a very remote house where George Orwell wrote his famous book 1984.
George Orwell first visited Jura in September 1945 and moved into Barnhill in April 1946. On Jura he was known by his real name, Mr. Eric Blair. Although he made few friends locally, probably due to the isolation of the house, he spent many a happy hour gardening in his small orchard area or fishing near the treacherous whirlpool at Corryvrechan.
The History of the Isle of Jura
The Isle of Jura has a history all of its own dating right back to Stone Age times. It has many sites of historic interest including standing stones, iron age forts and abandoned villages. All evidence of a bygone age when the island supported a much larger population than it does today.
There are several standing stones scattered about the east coast of Jura. A Neolithic burial cairn can be found south of Strone farm. Southeast of Ardmenish on Lowlandman’s Bay is the dun (fort) known as An Dunan.
The MacDonald, Maclean and Campbell clans between them lost thousands of lives trying to win or keep this island for themselves. The MacDonald clan chiefs appointed themselves “Lord of the Isles” and controlled much of the island until the Campbell clan were appointed by the Scottish parliament to take away some of their powers. As a result the Campbell clan chiefs stayed on the island until the mid 1900’s.
As a result of its colourful history and inherent beauty I would find it difficult to believe why anyone shouldn’t want to own a small part of this wonderful and magical island.
How is it Possible to Become a Lord or Lady of Jura?
Scottish law, in so many ways, is very different from the law of the United Kingdom. It all dates back to the Union of Scotland and England way back in 1707. It is guaranteed under that Union charter that Scots law cannot be subsumed into the English judiciary system and despite over three hundred years of history it still remains detached. In many ways it enshrines ancient traditions that have stood the test of time better than any other system of law.
The term “Laird” has been widely accepted throughout the world as “Lord” although the most accurate translation is simply “owner of Scottish land”. As with any title, yours can be legally inherited by your children, assuring the land and title remain within your family for all time.
Under Scottish law, in order to have a Laird or Lady title that can be passed to your descendants, you must own outright a piece of land in Scotland. And there’s nothing in the law to say that it needs to be a huge Scottish estate covering many acres. You will be entitled to all those same privileges by owning just one square foot.
The Location of Your Estate
The small plot of land that you, your loved one or your friend or colleague will own is situated on a hill overlooking Crackaig Bay on the Isle of Jura. It is bordered on one side by a traditional dry stone wall and a cliff edge on the other.
The image at the top of this page is the view from that point, and it is the exact same view you will personally see if you care to visit your plot of Scottish soil. In the morning you might witness a rising mist meandering eerily upwards from the cool clean waters to nestle lovingly amongst the peaks of the ‘Paps of Jura’ mountains.
Should you ever decide to visit during the spring and early summer, your senses will be embraced by colourful visions and delicate fragrances as the wild heather displays her natural charms.
On the site in which your treasured segment of undisturbed Scottish soil is situated, is a convenient private car park, so you could drive there and perhaps have a picnic whilst you admire the breath-taking views.
If you want to visit to see your new Scottish Estate I would suggest either the Jura Hotel in the middle of Craighouse or one of a number of small cottages available for short stays.
Ron Thomson
