HMS STRATHGARRY - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the Strathgarry feels like stepping into a cold, dark history book. She's a trawler, sunk in 1915 after a collision, and sits upright at 55 metres, a truly imposing sight. We love the bridge area; it’s largely intact and gives you a real sense of her working life before she became a boom defence boat. The descent is typically dark, typical Scapa Flow, but then the shape slowly resolves from the gloom. You’ll often find large wrasse hovering around the mast, and the decks are covered in colourful anenomes and hydroids – a surprising splash of colour against the grey steel. For photographers, the stern provides some fantastic wide-angle shots, especially if you can catch a glimpse of natural light filtering through from the surface. We’d suggest a trimix certification for this one; it’s a deep dive, and the bottom time is precious. The Strathgarry is a proper expedition into Scapa's past.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.828200, -3.050467
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Switha

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS STRATHGARRY

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HMS STRATHGARRY

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories