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ELLIE MAY

The *Ellie May* might be small, but we think she packs a proper punch, especially if you’re into the historical angle of Scapa Flow beyond just the big German fleet. We remember the distinct chill as we descended, a reminder that even in summer, Orkney’s waters demand good thermal protection. This isn’t a sprawling battleship; it’s a compact fishing vessel, found in 2007 with a tragic story attached, resting upright and remarkably intact at 31 metres. What strikes you first is how her modest size allows for an intimate exploration. You can properly circle her, peer into the wheelhouse, and imagine the working life she once led. Shoals of saithe often swirl around the mast, catching the available light, and the metalwork itself has become a canvas for plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. We love how the story of a modern wreck contrasts with the wartime giants nearby, offering a different, more poignant narrative. Dive this one when the weather's a bit blustery up top, as Scapa Flow offers some decent shelter, and you'll often find the visibility here surprisingly clear for a sandy seabed.