The Corryvreckan Whirlpool - Scotland's maelstrom

Strong Atlantic currents and unusual underwater topography conspire to produce the third largest whirlpool in the world in Scotland. It is the result of a particularly intense tidal race in the Corryvreckan channel between the islands of Jura and Scarba, off the west coast of mainland Scotland.

As the flood tide enters the narrow area between the two islands it speeds up to 8.5 knots (16 km/h) and meets a variety of seabed features including a deep hole and a rising pinnacle. This conjunction combines to create whirlpools, standing waves and a variety of other surface effects.

Sometimes in particularly stormy weather, the noise the whirlpool makes can be heard from 20 miles away. Experienced scuba divers who have explored the waters have described it as "the most dangerous dive in Britain".

Legends surround the whirlpool. One says the watery wonder was named after a Norwegian Prince who perished while trying to prove his love to a Scottish princess after her father gave him the risky task of keeping his boat in the whirlpool for three nights.

Another legend tells of a nasty Irish pirate from Ulster who got his just desserts when the local sea witch saw into his heart as his ship sailed past. She is said to have conjured the whirlpool to protect Scotland from his nefarious ways, and sent him to his doom.

The staggering current that travels over the pinnacle makes it a haven for filter-feeders like coral and sponges, as well as a variety of shellfish. This, in turn, draws larger animals like porpoises, dolphins, and whales to the area to feed.

It is possible to visit the site by way of boat trips from local harbours or sightseeing flights from Oban Airport.