Tragedy Rock (Clach na Lanain / The Rock of the Couple)

Nestled at the base of the dramatic Gribun cliffs on the Ross of Mull lies “Tragedy Rock,” a colossal boulder with a poignant story etched into the very landscape. Known in Gaelic as “Clach na Lanain,” or simply “The Rock of the Couple,” this striking landmark is forever linked to a heartbreaking legend from the early 18th century. It marks the site where a young newlywed couple, John and Rona, tragically lost their lives when a massive rock, dislodged by a fierce storm, crashed down upon their humble cottage on their wedding night.

The immense boulder remains today, a silent and solemn memorial to their ill-fated love. Visitors can observe the rock from the roadside, the remnants of the cottage walls are still faintly visible around its base, with tales of flowers mysteriously blooming in the tiny garden that once stood there. The site offers a powerful moment of reflection on the raw, untamed beauty of Mull’s landscape and the sudden fragility of life in the face of nature’s power.

Visiting Tragedy Rock provides a unique, contemplative experience, connecting you directly with one of Mull’s most enduring and moving pieces of folklore. It’s a reminder of the island’s rich oral traditions and the deep connection between its people and its dramatic, sometimes unforgiving, environment.