Welcome to Whirlpool Scotland
Notes on Corryvreckan DVD:
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General: CORRYVRECKAN has become well known originally through the Powell-Pressburger film I Know Where I'm Going [aka IKWIG] a post-war production which has become a cult movie, subject to a great deal of writing, some of it erroneous, even from authorities on the film. The huge tidal flow which runs between the islands of Jura and Scarba provides a crisis climax of the film and has become inseparable from it in association, although the Corryvreckan was already distinguished in its region centuries previously by its local name Coire Bhrecain [Bhreacain's Cauldron] embodying both another story and a concisely accurate description of what it is. Unfortunately the status of the film has inspired a number of writers to romanticize and subsequent television programmes such as the Open University / BBC Coast and Equinox 'Whirlpool' documentaries contain repetitions of previous errors of fact |
 Whirlpool Photo Above Courtesy Of Enthusiast Jim McHardy |
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Although the description of the Corryvreckan in IKWIG is concise and accurate as recounted by Torquil McNeil to Joan Webster in the Tobermory coastguard office scene, thereafter the viewers are subjected to Michael Powell's apparent desire to turn the Corryvreckan into something quite different, culminating in a grotesque re-creation complete with vortices with solid gelatinous cores. Corryvreckan is nothing like this. This is probably why such a large part of the film's budget was used in trying to artificially recreate Corryvreckan to correspond with some Edgar Allan Poe fantasy. |
 Wild Goats Stranded By The Tide |
The Murray-Philip DVD gives the first authoritative account, either written or visual describing Corryvreckan and the immediate area exactly as it is, in Mike Murray's words maelstrom being a better description than whirlpool. Corryvreckan is shown working in various conditions from placid to strongly active and in both fine weather conditions, and in the wet. The underlying hydrographics are demonstrated by a series of excellent computer graphic modelling, and evident from the surface photography.
Picture:
Given the numerous difficulties of representing this phenomenon, at which all previous efforts have failed, the photography within the DVD is quite outstanding, revealing the Corryvreckan in a range of its ever-changing manifestations. Included are breathtaking views of surrounding scenes, including some superb sequences around north Jura.
Resolution detail will stand up to the very exacting high definition standards [1080i], so that it is possible to make out a building on Mull. Probably near the famous IKWIG quay site at Carsaig, almost 16 miles distant.
Many of the images on this website are stills taken from the DVD.
Sound:
The background is an excellent and very informative commentary by Mike Murray, otherwise a music sound track takes over. The question of appropriate music is always difficult; most of the obvious candidates may not be more suitable, compared with natural sound.
The reputation of Corryvreckan for great noise, distantly heard presents almost insurmountable difficulties, powerful boat engines, wind, etc, generally mask sea noise. This is certainly impossible unless recorded from a ground location on Jura or Scarba in storm conditions, or at a distance from Craignish Point.
Summary:
This DVD combines evocative and revealing landscape photography of a very high order, and fine picture quality combined with an authoritative commentary and analysis of what Bhreacain's Cauldron actually is and does. At last.
The DVD costs only £10.00 plus Postage and Packing.
Bonus Offer ... 2 free postcards with every DVD ordered.
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You can also order your DVD by telephone using the number below. Please see terms and conditions page. |
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The Corryvreckan DVD was made by David Philip and Mike Murray while on board 'Gemini', along with some footage from 'Sea Leopard' and an overnight camping trip to Scarba [small island just to the north of Jura].
As well as offering the DVD so that you can see this beautiful part of the Scottish coastline from the comfort of your home, this website aims to provide a comprehensive information resource about the Corryvreckan Whirlpool in Argyll.
The DVD footage is compiled from several different days filming, so the weather and sea conditions are quite varied. Additional material kindly provided by David Ainsley of Seafari Adventure.
The rough weather sequences were really exciting - but it should be made clear that the boat was being held just outside the worst areas.. the boat was not actually inside the wildest bits and not in any danger!