A new £1.8m development to help the older residents of Jura remain on the island was opened today.

The project consists of a progressive care centre with a communal lounge, dining area and kitchen, five self contained one bedroom properties, a respite facility and six general needs properties for the community.

The Jura Progressive Care Centre, which is the first facility of its kind in Argyll, is designed to help people who have reached the stage of requiring residential and nursing care stay as close to their homes and families as possible.

The accommodation will give residents access to flexible support services from a range of health care professionals based at Craighouse health centre next door to the development.


The facility will also encourage more local employment and is 450% energy efficient, as heating and hot water is provided by geo-thermal heat pumps which take their energy from below the earth's surface.

The creation of the centre was made possible due to co-operation between the local community, NHS Highland, Argyll and Bute Council, West Highland Housing Association and the Scottish Government.

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell said: "I am honoured to be here today to open the Jura Progressive Care Centre. This great example of joint working will help islanders retain their independence, giving them more control and choice about the type of care they receive and where it's located.

"This new development will give residents access to a range of facilities while allowing them to remain as close to their homes and families as possible. It will also further strengthen the bonds of community which are so vital to living and working in this beautiful part of the world."

Ken MacColl, chair of West Highland Housing Association said: "We are delighted to work in partnership to get the Jura Progressive Care Centre up and running. This facility will provide vital services for the community for years to come. The project was completed thanks to the hard work of many community activists and the help and co-operation of Argyll and Bute Council, NHS Highland and the Scottish Government."

(GK/JM)