THE pilot scheme to run a passenger ferry between Tayvallich on the manland and Craighouse on the isle of Jura has been saved thanks to to a joint funding initiative.

The service could have finished today (Friday) had extra cash not been forthcoming. However, the shortfall of £11,700 has been found, with contributions of £5,000 each from Argyll and Bute Council and HIE – topped up with £1,700 from the Jura community.

The initiative was masterminded by Kintyre and the Islands Councillor Robin Currie who said: “This is excellent news - thanks to the council for the support it has given, not just money but in terms of officer time.
“The Jura ferry is a great project and one we can all be proud of. It has been a real economic boost to the island. Subsidy levels are going down as passenger numbers are increasing.”

The council took the decision at a special meeting held yesterday (August 19).

Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesperson for transport and infrastructure, hopes the assessment will show the service can continue. He said: “The passenger service has been very popular with both islanders and visitors as it provides a rapid and direct alternative to the services from Oban. However the service can only carry on if it is financially viable.
“The council’s budget is under enormous pressure and we have to consider carefully where funds are spent in the future. While no-one wants to see the service disappear we have to ensure that any support to private enterprises are made on the basis that services are financially successful, and underpinned by a sustainable business plan.
“I urge everyone travelling to Jura to consider using this ferry -  it will only survive if more people pay to use it. ”

Deborah Bryce of ferry operators Jura Development Trust told the Standard: “Thanks to Cllr Currie, the council and HIE, the ferry will now operate the full season until September 28.
”We can now focus on the future service for 2011-2013.”

More information, timetables and fare details can be found HERE

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