6000 deer. 200 people. 1 Jura Music Festival.

Celebrating it’s 17th year, The Isle of Jura Musical Festival is now a well established favourite for lovers of the traditional music scene. This years festival is dedicated to Nicky Watson and Rev. George Campbell who were both such valued committee members and are now sadly missed.

At the Friday night concert locals and visitors from the nearby island of Islay set the scene for a weekend filled with toe-tapping, foot-stomping, elbow-fiddling musical pleasure when they step up to the stage and show off their talents.

On Saturday night it’s the professionals turn: With past performances by Blazin’ Fiddles,Karen Matheson, Michael McGoldrick, Anna Massie Band, Stuart Cassells,Dannsa, Samba ya Bamba, Deaf Shephard and Dochas, the festival has a history of promoting both up and coming and established artists. And this year’s line-up is no exception. Check out the line-up section of the site for more details.

A surprise addition to the Jura music festival was announced today as organisers revealed that Elvis will be making an appearance.

Elvis to Appear at the Jura Music Festival!!

Although he will not be performing at the traditional music event, the local distillery’s four year old moggy will be taking pictures of the island shenanigans over the whole weekend using his “petcam”.

Whisky aficionados, feline fans and music lovers will be able to get a cat’s eye view of the bands and the punters enjoying three days of entertainment on one of Scotland’s remotest islands.

The festival starts this Friday (24 – 26 September) with a line up that includes Session A9, Mary Ann Kennedy, piper Fred Morrison, Brigada Mercy and a host of talent from the island itself.

Artists that have made the trip previously to Jura – described as “ungettable” by author George Orwell – include Blazin’ Fiddles, Karen Matheson, Michael McGoldrick, Anna Massie Band, Stuart Cassells, Dannsa, Samba ya Bamba and Deaf Shephard.

Jura distillery manager Willie Cochrane said that Elvis was a much loved regular at the music festival.

“Elvis is very sociable and loves the music and the people, and can often be seen weaving his way between dancing feet into the wee small hours.

“For the first time visitors to the Jura website will be able to see what Elvis sees, and get a very unique insight into this great event. If it’s successful and loads of people log on, we may well make it a permanent feature and people can get a cat’s eye view of life on the island.”