wreck

Log This Dive

CLAN MACDONALD

Scapa Flow holds a lot of history, and the Clan MacDonald, despite its slightly confusing past – it’s often referred to as the Akenside in official records – is one of those wrecks that just captures your imagination. At a maximum depth of two metres, this is less a dive and more a snorkel, but don't let that deter you. We love just how accessible it is, especially on a calm day when the sun can actually penetrate the water. You’ll find the wreck broken up, scattered across the seabed, but the boiler is definitely our favourite part; it’s a big, impressive piece of machinery now completely overgrown with kelp and various anemones. There's a surprising amount to see here, even in the shallows. On a good day, with decent light, we’ve spotted plenty of blennies darting in and out of the metalwork, and often a decent sized crab or two scuttling across the plates. It’s not the dramatic, deep Scapa dive many come for, but it’s a brilliant way to experience a bit of the Flow’s history without needing full kit. We'd suggest going at high tide to get the best visibility, and definitely bring a good torch to peer into any nooks. It’s an ideal spot for anyone keen on wreck photography in natural light, or just for a quick dip to see some history up close.