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ISLE OF JURA LAUNCHES A PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Isle of Jura launches photography competition to find the world’s most inspiring places

The Isle of Jura is launching a ‘Wish You Were Here’ online travel photography competition (www.isleofjura.com/wishyouwerehere) to find the world’s most inspiring places.

Budding photographers from across the world are being offered the chance to win an unforgettable trip to the island of Jura off Scotland’s dramatic West Coast. With a community of less than 200 people, the island is rich in history, myths, superstitions, dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife and whisky, all of which have provided inspiration to photographers, artists and writers from across the world. Partnering with VisitScotland on the prize, winners will enjoy a once in a lifetime photographic experience on the Isle of Jura with expert advice from National Geographic’s Jim Richardson.

The partnership between one of Scotland’s premier single malts and the national tourism organisation comes during Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink where VisitScotland is using its worldwide marketing campaigns to inspire visitors to come to Scotland to experience our food and drink.

Each one of the three winners and their partners will enjoy a week’s stay in the exclusive Jura lodge, a VIP tour of the Jura distillery and island and a two day photography master-class from National Geographic’s Jim Richardson. All travel arrangements will be paid for and the winners will also receive an Olympus E-PL1 camera to capture images from their visit.

Willie Cochrane, Distillery Manager, said:

“On an island where deer outnumber people by more than 30 to 1, we truly believe that Jura is one of the most beautiful and inspirational destinations in the world. Its remoteness is one of its greatest assets, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a place for visitors to wallow in the peace and tranquillity of island life, whilst of course savouring a dram or two of our world famous whisky! Our winners will have the chance to enjoy all of this and more and hopefully return home with a photo album brimming full of many happy memories.”

To enter, applicants must upload a photo that they’ve taken of an inspiring destination onto an e-postcard template and describe on the back of that e-postcard what makes it so inspirational. A panel of judges including National Geographic’s Jim Richardson will assess a shortlist of the very best ‘postcards’ and pick three lucky winners - one from North America, one from the UK and a third from Europe.

The competition, which can be found by visiting www.isleofjura.com/wishyouwerehere, opens today (Monday 29th November 2010) and will run for eight weeks, closing on Friday 21st January 2011.

Every week for the duration of the competition, Jura and VisitScotland will also pick a Postcard of the Week with an Olympus FE-5050 camera to be won each week. Entrants are also encouraged to share their e-postcards with friends and family who will be able to vote for their favourite and automatically be entered into a prize draw to win bottles of Jura 10 year old single malt and other Jura goodies.

Ewan Colville, North American Marketing Manager, VisitScotland said:

"The Isle of Jura has a unique landscape and setting, especially for those visitors who wish to sample Scottish island life. Known for its landscape, wildlife and whisky, Jura is also a recognised writers’ retreat made famous by George Orwell. With great transport links to the Scottish islands, visitors from around the world can be immersed in island life with ease. This is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, where we are celebrating our wonderful food and drink produce, providers and experiences. There has never been a better time to visit.”

Jim Richardson, who has travelled the world taking photographs for the National Geographic Society, said:

“The Isle of Jura offers so much in way of inspiration and source material for photographers and artists. The sweeping landscapes, diverse wildlife, and dramatic seasonal weather provide a sensational backdrop for any photographers looking to develop their skills. I’m really looking forward to sharing some of my tips and techniques with the winners and helping them push their photography on to the next level. Needless to say, I’m also keen to get my hands on some of Jura’s finest whisky, direct from the distillery!”

Ends

29 November 2010

About Jura

Off the west coast of Scotland lies one of nature’s best kept secrets, the Isle of Jura. Populated by a community of less than 200 known as Diurachs (the Gaelic name for the people of Jura), it is a place of myth, legend and intrigue – and an award winning range of single malt whiskies, which hold the promise of good fortune for all those that believe.

There are four classic bottling in the Jura Collection: Origin 10, Superstition, Diurach’s Own and Prophecy. Many of the Jura whiskies have their own distinctive drinking rituals but one cuts across the range. Islanders believe that it brings good fortune to you knock on wood before they drink a dram.

For those who love the great outdoors, Jura is an idyllic place. Its three ‘Paps’ – or mountains - dominate the skyline, distinguishable from miles around and the focus for the tough Jura Fells Race which takes place every May. For those who like to explore, whether by foot, bike, or yacht, there is a wealth of historical sites and natural phenomena to discover; from stone circles and standing stones to ruined castles and iron age forts: from sandy beaches and secluded coves to stacks, pinnacles and caves, as well as raised beaches from the ice age. Golden eagles, sea eagles, otters, seals and not forgetting the 5,000 red deer which inhabit the island are all a common sight, and carry on about their business uninhibited by humans.

To find out more visit www.isleofjura.com

Jim Richardson

Jim Richardson travels the world making photographs for the National Geographic Society. He has photographed a combined 45 stories for National Geographic magazine and for National Geographic Traveler, where he is a contributing editor. Richardson has been called "perhaps the most prolific photographer for one of the world's most prestigious magazines." Among his recognized areas of expertise are the British Isles and Celtic culture, as well as a range of scientific and conservation subjects such as grasslands and water. ABC News Nightline, The Martha Stewart Show, and CBS News Sunday Morning have featured his work. Time, LIFE, The New York Times, and other worldwide publications have relied on his photographs. Richardson has photographed several books and his audiovisual presentation based on his noted documentary photography projects about small-town life won the Crystal AMI Award for international excellence.

Richardson teaches workshops and seminars in the US and abroad. He also accompanies small groups organized by National Geographic Expeditions. He is a seasoned public speaker, delivering insights about travel locations and environmental issues, as well as about making graphically compelling images that also convey information in a complex world. Jim lives in the small Kansas town of Lindsborg, where he owns a Main Street gallery and studio called Small World. His work is at www.jimrichardsonphotography.com, and his ideas about photographs can be found at www.jimrichardson.blogspot.com and on www.facebook.com/people/Jim-Richardson/1024136166.

From VisitScotland

Image copyright Anne Gordon
Posted by Anne Gordon on Monday 29th November, 2010