Easter weekend saw the opening of the newly renovated Antlers Bistro - Restaurant, Heritage and Craft Centre in Craighouse on Jura.

The building was purchased in 2002 on behalf of the community of Jura by the Jura Development Trust (JDT) with funding from the Scottish Land Fund. Work has been ongoing since then to secure funds for renovation of the building into a 24 cover bistro - restaurant with a heritage display and craft sales.

Both locals and visitors to the island turned out for the official opening on Saturday April 11 which was hosted by JDT and catered for by the facility's new tenants - Small Isles Catering - partners Grahame Pettit and Stephen Prust.

The sun shone brightly as a gathering of around 120 attended the opening.

JDT Chairman John Potts welcomed everyone and acknowledged support of the main project funders - The Big Lottery, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), LEADER and the Moffat Charitable Trust along with a number of smaller groups and organisations who contributed to the project.


He went on to acclaim the work of the project Design Team - G. McLeod Q.S, Sirus Jafari Architect, Stewart Consulting Planning Co-ordinators and McEchern Bros Construction of Isle of Islay.

Reverend George Campbell delivered a witty and relevant dialogue wishing success to the project and its new tenants and the ceremonious unlocking of the door was undertaken by Mr Jack Paton, long time Jura resident and neighbour to the facility, allowing all their first glimpse of the new facility which will be open daily from 8.30am favouring a range of local produce and catering for all needs.

Easter weekend also saw the island's 16 new moorings and 30m of landing pontoons going back in the water for the 2009 sailing season. In addition, the Jura - Tayvallich passenger ferry service resumed its summer service. All three projects have been developed and delivered by JDT after many years of hard work both on and off the island.

Jura Development Trust administrator, Elaine Campbell, said: "This is a very exciting time for Jura. Not only do the three projects benefit each other greatly but they provide an increase in employment and enterprise opportunities to the island. The new Antlers is already proving to be a popular place to visit both with locals and visitors and we look forward to a busy 2009'."

(GK/KMcA)