The Whirlpool of Corryvrechan at the northern tip of the island is Europe’s biggest and most dangerous whirlpool. The road to it becomes impassible to vehicles some miles before the whirlpool itself and on foot is the only way. The whirlpool is only at its best at certain tides so it is essential to get local knowledge if you want to see it.

The Story of Corryvrechan is that of a Scandinavian Prince, named Breackan, who fell in love with a princess of the isles. Her father consented to the marriage on the condition that Breackan showed his courage by anchoring his boat in the whirlpool for 3 days and nights. Breackan accepted the challenge and returned to Norway where he had 3 cables made-one of hemp, one of wool and one of maiden’s hair. The maidens of Norway willingly cut off their long hair to make the rope for their prince. It was believed that their purity and innocence would give the rope strength to stand the strain.

Breackan returned and anchored in the whirlpool. On the first day the rope of hemp broke; on the second day the woolen rope parted; on the third day all went well until the evening when the rope of hair finally gave way having been weakened because one of the maidens who had given her hair had been unfaithful. The currents sucked the boat under and Breackan’s body was dragged ashore by his faithful dog, carried to a cave – Breackan’s Cave where he was buried. Amidst myth and legend there is usually a fragment of truth. When the cave was excavated some years ago a stone coffin was found. Was it the coffin of some Prince drowned in the Gulf? No one knows. (from the Islay Handbook)

The images on the right were kindly donated by David Muir of Edinburgh. Each will open up to a larger image if you click on it.

Breackan’s cave

Detail of the mouth of the cave