How Malignant Cove got Named.

The pirate ship, Malignant heavy with loot, sailed along the coast of the Northern shore in the waters we now call Northlumberland Strait. The sailors, who had much booty in the holds, and who had visions of returning to their homes as rich men, lazed on the decks. Suddenly out of the sun sailed a Man O’ War. The pirate ship call “The Malignant” raced with the wind, and soon out sailed the pursuing ship. But the pirates feared for the safety of the treasure. What to Do?

Finally they decided to find a sheltered cove and beach the ship.

This they did, and all the treasure was carried ashore and buried. For some reason they distrusted the Captain, and because villains have only one way out for distrust they killed him. Legend has it that they beheaded him and buried the head with the gold and jewels. This served a two fold purpose, the captain would not betray them, and his ghost would protect the booty until they returned.

Several years later the ship was thrown up out of the sand, and many of the settlers took parts of it to use in building their homes. Sometimes “The Malignant” sails again, a ghostly and stark ship which comes out of the fog, her skull and cross bones whipping in the wind.

The pirates never returned. The treasure? No one knows. But the name remains – Malignant Cove, a beauty spot on the North Shore of Antigonish Co.