For centuries islanders 'drove'  their cattle to mainland markets, via a ferry from Lagg on Jura to Keilmore on the mainland. At only three miles this is the shortest route between Jura and the mainland. From the most cursory glance at the map the Drovers' Route is clearly the most obvious choice. But not to our dear council. Argyll and Bute council have rejected the plans from the Islay & Jura Ferry Co. Ltd., a private company financed by islanders.

It is no great surprise that none of the region's three councillors apparently supported the application.  Argyll & Bute Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Scotland, Calmac and the RSPB have resolutely tried to stall the Islay & Jura Ferry Company's proposal for a 15 car small ferry from the outset, despite continual adjustment to the proposal to accommodate environmental concerns.

The proposal was rejected on the basis it did not satisfy the requirements of Historic Scotland and SNH. It seems their idea of Jura is some sort of personal play thing, a natural park to be protected at the expense of islanders, their livelihoods and their economy. Their goal, it seems, is to depopulate the island, or at least like Rum, get them all working for Historic Scotland and SNH.

It is quite good sport to knock Argyll & Bute Council. After all they are Gold Medal winners at wasting taxpayer's millions in poorly conceived and desperately managed capital projects. The 'too short' runway on Colonsay (pop. 108),  the £6m upgrade for Oban airport that no airline wants to use, a £3m pier at Bruichladdich that no one can use, £15 million on Port Askaig pier that is inadequate, a helipad at Lochgilphead that isn't flat etc.  I am told that councillors are not incompetent, but misunderstood; it is the political  System that conspires against these highly talented men & women, leading to cock-up after cock-up.

Their excellent new passenger ferry service between Craighouse and Tayviallich, a longer distance  than the Drovers' Route,  is being tested over a three year period -  but high summer months only. It has been a resounding success, frequently running at maximum capacity clearly demonstrating the pent-up, frustrated demand for a quick (1 hour) direct link to the mainland.

But there's the rub. By allowing a passenger only service the council gets away with almost zero capital  expenditure (apart from a pontoon and concrete steps that surely even A & B can't  cock-up); it keeps cars off Jura placating the Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Scotland, and the RSPB; it prevents competition to the state-owned Calmac; and deflates islanders' demands  - undermining the Islay & Jura Ferry Co. plan.  Brilliant!

Expect the passenger ferry to be quietly withdrawn after the trial period - by when the Islay & Jura Ferry Co idea has conveniently gone away.