The Press and Journal reports about the public meeting that will be held on the island of Jura tonight, July 1. This will give the islanders the opportunity to blow off some steam at Argyll and Bute Council. Ever since the new Jura ferry slipway at Port Askaig was ready there were problems for cars to board and leave the ferry which caused a lot of concern for the people on Jura, specially in relation to emergency services. Therefore the new link span for the Calmac ferry was often used as an alternative when possible. A quote from the article:

The Argyll and Bute Council-run ferry which links the 200 strong community to the mainland, via a crossing to Port Askaig on neighbouring Islay, has been fraught with problems. In addition to the repeated occasions when the ferry has been unable to sail in poor weather conditions, it has encountered berthing difficulties since the recent reconstruction of the Jura ferry slipway at Port Askaig. Residents fear the disruption could one day mean that back-up fire and ambulance crews from Islay won't be able to reach the island to assist local emergency teams.

Andy Law, the council's head of operational services, who will be attending tonight's meeting, said: 'We are working away with our consultants and we are seeking the best resolution to continue to provide as good a service as we can. My purpose in going to Jura is really to listen to what folk are saying and to give them some explanations of the works that have been done." Scottish industrialist Sir William Lithgow, whose many business interests include Inver Estate on Jura, claims the Jura ferry and its new berth, which has been built as part of a £12.9million 'improvement' scheme at Port Askaig, are simply not fit for purpose.

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