Isle of Jura

Jura, a small Hebridean island and producer of Jura single malt is home to 3,000 deer and 180 people. Many have described the island as isolated and otherworldly. Little wonder George Orwell came here to write 1984 more than 50 years ago. Orwell described the island as "an extremely un-get-at-able place". That much hasn't changed. Even for those of us who live in Scotland.

You can fly to neighboring Islay (pronounced eye-la) from Glasgow but most people drive. It’s a three-hour journey from Glasgow to Kennacraig, followed by a two-hour ferry to Islay and a five-minute hop across to Jura.


Jura is an island rich in history, myths and superstitions. Excavations show it welcomed some of the oldest settlements in Scotland over 8,000 years ago. It also became a Viking stronghold, while its ancient graveyard at Kilearnadil boasts a number of Knights Templar gravestones and is reputedly the resting place of a saint.

Those who make the trek to Jura have always come of their own accord. Mostly it has been for the seclusion, Jura’s famous single malts and jagged landscapes. While all are perfectly good enticements, my exacting motivator is the Jura Lodge.



Opened in late 2006 and designed by French designer Bambi Sloan,
the delightfully over decorated lodge boasts high-thread-count linens, a vast kitchen, stags heads, Bakelite phones and plenty of whisky. "No plastic!" was Bambi Sloan's edict when she began conceptualizing and collating furniture and decorative pieces for the lodge.

To capture the spirit of the island, where the rugged meets twee, she combed the flea markets of France and Belgium, as well as Spanish emporia for delicate vintage linens, lace, glass, leather and metalwork to complement the rugged tooth-and-claw elements.

Its two massive floors can accommodate up to eight people and comes complete with a live-out housekeeper. Perfect for endless conversations around a wee dram, peat burning fires and views of the amazing Jura sky.