Off the west coast of Scotland, between the islands of Jura and Scarba, lies the Strait of Corryvreckan, one of the most treacherous stretches of water to be found anywhere in Northern Europe. This is where a series of strong Atlantic currents clash with a complex tidal system and some unusual seabed topography to produce—on unsettled days—turbulent swirling seas, resulting in the famous—or infamous—Corryvreckan whirlpool, one of the most violent in the world.

Corryvreckan is also the name of an exquisite...