Jura single malt whisky, in partnership with Olympus, is launching an online photography competition (www.jurawhisky.com/communityspirit) to find images from across the world that best embody the theme of ‘community spirit’.

Three budding amateur photographers are being offered the chance to win an unforgettable trip to the island of Jura, off Scotland’s dramatic West Coast. The island is famed for its small and close-knit community of less than 200, united by the island they love and the warmth of its people. The walls of the Distillery Visitor Centre are adorned with photos of Diurachs (the Gaelic name for the people of Jura) past and present, who have all played their part in contributing to the island’s famous community spirit.

To experience Jura’s island life for themselves, amateur photographers are invited to submit photographs that best tell a story of community spirit. These images could include photos of groups or individuals that evoke the spirit of the neighbourhood in which they live, or even photos of festivals and events that conjure the character of a particular place.

Each one of the three winners and their partners will enjoy a week’s all-expenses stay in the exclusive Jura Lodge and a VIP tour of the Jura distillery and island. The winners will also receive an Olympus PEN E-PL3 camera to create a lasting memento of their visit to Jura, and a photography workshop on the island from award-winning photographer David Nightingale (www.chromasia.com).

To enter, applicants must upload a photo that captures community spirit onto an e-postcard template along with a description in 50 words or less of why that picture tells a story of community spirit. Jura 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 the rest of the world.

The competition, which can be found by visiting www.jurawhisky.com/communityspirit, opens today (Monday, 11 June) and will run for eight weeks, closing on Friday, 3 August.

Entrants are encouraged to share their e-postcards with friends and family. Every week for eight weeks, Jura will be awarding an Olympus VG-170 camera and a bottle of Jura 16 year old to the photo which receives the most public votes during the course of that week.

Willie Cochrane, Distillery Manager, said:

“We may only have 200 people living on the island, but as a community we possess a spirit that is unique to Jura, and I’m not just talking about the whisky! Many people, both islanders and tourists, have captured our spirit on camera over the years. These photographic records of people and events that have helped to define what it means to be a Diurach are a significant part of Jura’s history, telling the story of our culture and community. We look forward to welcoming the winners of this competition to the island and sharing the Diurach spirit with them.”

About the competition
1. All competition details can be found at www.jurawhisky.com/communityspirit
2. Entrants must be of legal drinking age
3. Entrants must be free to travel between the dates of 29 April and 5 May 2013
4. Entrants must register to become a Diurach before entering the competition
5. Full terms and conditions can be found on the competition website

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 bottlings 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 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.

www.jurawhisky.com