LEADER'S REPORT

When I first saw Jura at Easter on a cool, showery day, and realised for the first time how large an island it is, I had distinct misgivings as to its suitability for an expedition. When I saw it again on an even worse day in July, I was prepared to spend a fortnight trying to boost morale and dry out wet clothes!

A fortnight later, nobody seeing a group of healthily tanned people would have believed that we had been to the same place. A cold wind and rain had greeted us, yet by the time we had reached our site at Inverlussa (17 miles from Craighouse) the sun was vainly trying to appear; and despite three days' torrential rain, the camp site had the marquee and store tent in position, and a meal was ready for the last group which arrived at 10 p.m. An encouraging start—and one which was developed even more on the second day by good-hearted industry. Tents were pitched, trenches dug, scavenger hunts organised and by evening tables and benches had been hammered together.

Jura, a large island some 30 miles long and 8-12 miles wide, has not been used before by the S.H.S. The first few days after settling in were therefore spent in trying to cover a good deal of the northern half, with a view to working on certain projects. This done, it was realised that, because of the island's size, bivouacing would be one of the most worthwhile activities; and so it proved, with everybody in camp going on one scheme and almost half the camp doing two. These ranged from the luxury of camp beds at Glengarrisdale to a three-day attack on Craighouse, during which a group of ten made the S.H.S. well known to certain locals!

Jura has a rugged charm, enhanced by high peaks and many lochs. The west coast raised beaches and caves, whilst the east has bays and woods. Between the two are acres and acres of bogs (which one person crossed with monotonous regularity). The whole area, however, provided many opportunities for ornithology, fishing and climbing; but above all gave us the wonderful sight of the red deer— some six thousand of them—magnificent stags silhouetted against the skyline, or herds of hind trotting nervously away before eyeing the strangers imperiously.

A strong gale brought down the marquee and store tent, but with the help of the N.A.Y.C. group (camping with us because they were storm-bound) order was soon restored, and from then on the weather was very reasonable, with two or three outstanding days. Trips in the canoe and boat (memories of abortive fishing trips!) and even the odd hardy type who managed to swim increased noticeably, and time passed all too quickly.

Other highlights included the Ardlussa games, where two of the slower officers fought a great battle for last place in the 220 yards; a soccer match against Jura where endeavour was more apparent than skill; and nightly "sevens" matches which went on until the ball and the various hazards could hardly be seen. A fortnight soon passes, and this report can never do more than touch the edges of the many happenings.