MHAIGHDEAN HEARRACH - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Mhaighdean Hearrach isn't one of Scapa Flow's big battleships, but we think it's one of the most charming wrecks in the Flow. A fishing vessel sunk in a collision, she sits upright in a sheltered bay, making for a relaxed dive that often feels much warmer than the mercury suggests. At a shallow 16 metres, you get brilliant bottom time, perfect for exploring the wheelhouse and intact bow, often with light filtering through the clear Orkney water. We love seeing the huge ballan wrasse that patrol the deck, sometimes so bold they'll swim right up to your mask. The whole wreck is covered in dead man’s fingers and bright anemones, a proper explosion of colour against the steel. This is a brilliant second dive, or a top pick for divers who want the history of Scapa without the immense scale of the High Seas Fleet. Go on a sunny day if you can, the visibility really sings then.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.192436, -6.366430
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Marine Protected Area: Tong Saltings

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 MHAIGHDEAN HEARRACH

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 MHAIGHDEAN HEARRACH

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