Craighouse (Scottish Gaelic: Taigh na Creige) is the main settlement and capital of the Scottish Inner Hebridean island of Jura, in Argyll and Bute. In 1971 it had a population of 113. The village is situated on the sheltered east coast of the island at the southern end of Small Isles Bay, on the Sound of Jura.

Since 2007, a passenger-only ferry service between Craighouse and Tayvallich on the Scottish mainland has operated during the summer months. This service was resurrected by the community after several decades without a direct mainland ferry.

Vehicular access to the island now via a small ferry between Feolin on Jura, 8 miles (13 kilometres) south of Craighouse via road) and Port Askaig on neighbouring Islay.

Facilities in Craighouse

Today Craighouse is the social centre of the island and is home to:

  • Jura Community Shop, (Post Office, provisions, general goods)
  • The Jura Hotel
  • The Antlers Cafe
  • Community run diesel and petrol pumps
  • Whisky Island Gallery (photography)
  • Deer Island Distillery, producing Jura's only rum
  • Camella Crafts (local crafts)
  • Jura Distillery, producer of Isle of Jura Single Malt Whisky
  • Jura Service Point (archives, oral history recordings, photocopying, printing, meeting rooms)
  • Small Isles Primary School
  • Jura Parish Church
  • The Village hall

History

The name "Craighouse" means "The house by the rock".

References and footnotes

External links

Media related to Craighouse at Wikimedia Commons