Corra Linn

A spectacular waterfall situated a half-mile (1 km) upstream of New Lanark in the Clyde valley, Corra Linn is 28m (92 feet) high and, along with Bonnington Linn, provides a head of water to generate hydro-electric power via the Bonnington Power Station. 'Cora' was supposed to be a daughter of King Malcolm II, who leapt to her death here, having been prevented from marrying the man she loved. Another version of the tale suggests she fell to her death having been frightened by a young stranger while she was hunting in the woods. Perhaps more likely, 'corra' means a heron or 'lanky' in Gaelic.

Corra Linn was a popular subject for landscape painters, including a work by English artist J.M.W. Turner in 1802. It is overlooked by the now-ruined Bonnington Pavilion, built in 1708 by Sir James Carmichael of Bonnington House to entertain his guests. Dorothy Wordsworth describes the falls in her diary when she visited with her brother William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1803.


Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry arrow

If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...

By using our site you agree to accept cookies, which help us serve you better