Back in the summer of 1991, Claire Pattenden was a young personal assistant at BBC Radio One, working on the Steve Wright in the Afternoon show.
One day, a mysterious invitation arrived at the office, promising an adventure to mark the summer solstice.
The invitation, sent by the enigmatic and popular band The KLF, was cryptic and intriguing, hinting at a journey to the “lost continent of Mu.”
Claire, just 22 and hailing from a humble part of South London, had never ventured far from home. Excited and curious, she packed her bags for the three-day trip, not knowing that this adventure would change her life forever.
Claire and a select group of international music journalists were gathered at Heathrow Airport, where they were greeted by the band’s publicist, Scott Piering. They embarked on a flight to Glasgow, followed by another to the remote island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides.
As they flew over the picturesque landscape, Claire was captivated by the beauty below—something far removed from her urban upbringing.
Upon landing on Islay, they were transported by bus to the Port Askaig ferry terminal, where they took a ferry to the island of Jura. As they approached, Claire was struck by the wild, rugged beauty of the island, with its dramatic mountains and untamed wilderness.
It felt like discovering a hidden piece of her own life’s puzzle.
A Surreal Experience
Arriving on Jura, the group was greeted by The KLF’s Bill Drummond and Jimmy Cauty, dressed as border guards of the imaginary land of Mu. The journalists’ passports were stamped with the KLF logo, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
Claire, who was young and adventurous, was enthralled by the experience, which included being part of a music video and an all-night rave featuring a ritual burning of a giant wicker man.
It was during this bizarre and unforgettable event that Claire met Andrew Fletcher, a local boy who would later become her husband.
Despite the wild circumstances, they felt an instant connection.
Claire fondly recalls that magical moment, noting that she fell in love with both Jura and Andrew.
A New Life on Jura
After returning to London, Claire boldly declared on the radio that she wanted to see Andrew again.
Her message reached him, and their love story blossomed. They married in 1998 and settled on the Isle of Jura, where Andrew inherited his family’s 16,000-acre estate after his father’s passing.
The couple raised four daughters on the island, balancing the demands of managing a large estate with the joys of family life.
Claire, who had a successful career in radio, found herself adapting to a new role as a laird’s wife and a mother.
She also became an active member of the island community, helping to rejuvenate local businesses and initiatives.
The Birth of Lussa Gin
In 2015, Claire, along with two friends, Georgina and Alicia, decided to start a gin distillery on the island.
With the help of relaxed licensing regulations, they purchased a small copper still and began experimenting with local ingredients.
Their venture, Lussa Gin, quickly grew in popularity, earning prestigious awards and attracting international attention.
The trio’s commitment to quality and their passion for the island are evident in every bottle they produce.
Despite their success, they chose to keep the business small and sustainable, prioritizing a healthy work-life balance over rapid expansion.
A Life of Adventure and Love
Today, Claire looks back on her journey with a smile, grateful for the unexpected twists and turns that brought her to Jura.
The island has become more than just a home; it’s a place where she found love, purpose, and a fulfilling life.
The Fletchers continue to cherish their time on the island, enjoying the beauty of nature and the joy of their growing family.
For Claire, the adventure that began with a mysterious invitation has become a lifelong journey of discovery and happiness.
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