Loch Coruisk on the Isle of Skye – A Source of Inspiration

Loch Coruisk truly is inspirational. The Isle of Skye is famous for its local music and culture, and probably the most famous song which mentions the island is “The Skye Boat Song” (now best known as the ‘Outlander’ TV theme tune!)

Few, however, realise that there is a direct connection between the Skye Boat Song and Loch Coruisk. It was whilst being rowed along the loch on a trip to the Isle of Skye during the 1790s that Miss Annie MacLeod first heard the Gaelic air “Cuach nan Craobh” being sung by the rowers. Miss MacLeod wrote down the music as she remembered it and the lyrics were later added by Sir Harold Boulton.

Loch Coruisk is also the scene of one of JMW Turner’s paintings, and a focus of the writings of Sir Walter Scott and Boswell and Johnson. They were all struck by the beauty of the area while they travelled the Scottish Hebrides.

Many have visited over the years, especially following the visit of Sir Walter Scott as a result of his famous description of the Loch. With a history like that, who knows what artistic achievements you may be inspired to accomplish during your visit!

Loch Coruisk is a freshwater Loch roughly 4 miles long and 400 yards wide which lies surrounded by the spectacular peaks of Skye’s famous Cuillin Hills mountains. The mountains rise all around the loch giving the impression of being in another world! Although the terrain around the loch is often soft and boggy underfoot the walks to and around Loch Coruisk are unmissable. You may be lucky enough to encounter the remarkably tame local herd of wild red deer as you walk or see a white tailed sea eagle soaring, not far overhead.

Because of its reputation as one of the most special wild swimming destinations in the UK there are often people keen to take a dip in the loch. Whilst this is very refreshing, be warned that it never gets particularly warm!

Elgol – The Perfect Place to Relax!

Elgol on the Isle of Skye: Perhaps you have never heard of the little fishing and crofting village but there is a good chance you have seen photos of Elgol’s famous mountain and seascape scenery. The village appears in postcards, Scottish books and even movie scenes and television programmes. – and for good reason!

From the larger Skye village of Broadford many visitors have ventured down the enchanting Elgol road completely unaware of the magnificent scenes that await them around almost every corner.

Whichever way you travel to the Isle of Skye, you will journey through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Even so, the last 15 miles of your journey from Broadford to Elgol will take your breath away. This route is one of ever-changing vistas ranging from fjord-like sea lochs and picturesque crofting communities to the splendour of Blaven and the neighbouring Cuillin range. Add to this the areas rich cultural and historical background and you have the perfect place to re-charge and refresh.

Elgol – The Origins of the Name.

The Isle of Skye has had a turbulent, and often bloody history. From the earliest Celtic times Vikings, Picts, and Highland Clans have all tried to dominate and control the island. Some think that the name Elgol derives from the Gaelic for ‘the weeping swan’. Folklore details the story of a Viking captain who perished when his longboat named The Swan came to attack the local population.

Others believe that in the old Norse language Elgol means Holy Hill (Helga Hollr). About 1600 years ago the Gaelic language got a foothold in the south-west Highlands and over the next century or two spread to most of the rest of the country. Elgol, like the rest of the Isle of Skye, is traditionally a Gaelic speaking area and (in the main) place names here are either Gaelic or of Gaelic origin. But curiously, the name itself and several others in the neighbourhood, are not from Gaelic but named by Vikings who around a thousand years ago came not only to pillage and plunder but also to settle in the area.

The spiritual link with the village’s name is plausible enough since the district between Broadford and Elgol was the focus of the christianising work undertaken by St Maelrubha or St Maree. In AD 673 he arrived on the Isle of Skye at Ashaig, just south of Broadford and from there his influence spread throughout the whole island. Along the route are many place names suggesting early Christian establishments, for example Kilchrist, Kilbride and, of course, Kilmaree. The ‘Kil’ part of these names is from the Gaelic Cille or church. So Kilmaree means Maelrubhaís Church. If you are lucky enough to be in Elgol on the 27th August, spare a thought for Maelrubha because this is his special day.

Bonnie Prince Charlie’s cave

In his last days in Scotland, Bonnie prince Charlie hid in a cave along the Elgol shore. The cave is well hidden in this spectacular piece of coastline and is accessible through an arch in the cliffs surrounded by fascinating geology. There are various other caves dotted along the coastline between the Elgol jetty and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s cave.

The Mackinnon Family’s Link with Elgol

Near Elgol is the now-ruined fort of Dunringell. This was the ancient seat of the MacKinnons, the area’s traditional clan or family. Subsequently the MacKinnon chief and his retinue went to live in the Castle Moil in Kyleakin. But MacKinnons are still very much to the fore in Elgol.

Seumas and his family were taught at the beautiful Elgol Primary School on the shore. You will see Elgol school as you board the Misty Isle – and will probably envy the children who get their education in such an idyllic setting!

What to do in Elgol.

Elgol is a great starting point to access several famous walks – most notably the coastal walk to Camasunary and on from there to Loch Coruisk, or the less strenuous walk along the other side of the coast to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s cave. Visitors to Elgol are often treated to a large variety of bird and wildlife sightings, often realising with surprise that there are red deer slowly meandering through their garden!

Tourists in Elgol have the opportunity to refresh themselves whilst in the village – There is a Restaurant, a Bistro, and of course the village shop which also sells teas, coffees and home baking as well as the famous Art Floats. During the tourist season the shop also has a wonderful ‘pod’ by the shore where you can enjoy fresh filled rolls, local seafood, coffees and ice cream. Also keep an eye out for events taking place in the recently-built village hall while you are staying in the area. There is a little church in Elgol – church services take place there on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month and a warm welcome is extended to locals and visitors alike.