MURRAYFIELD (POSSIBLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

So, Murrayfield. Or possibly not Murrayfield, which is half the fun with some of these older wrecks in Scapa Flow. This one is a proper steamship, sunk in 1942 after an unfortunate encounter with the Perie Bard of Mousa in thick fog. You’re looking at a single boiler, a triple-expansion engine, and a propeller shaft that still looks ready to turn. We love the slightly spooky, almost ghostly feel of diving something that went down in wartime. The visibility, even on a good day, often has that green, atmospheric quality that perfectly suits a wreck like this. We’ve found the stern section particularly interesting, with some of the plating peeled back like tin cans, revealing the internal structure. It’s an ideal dive for those who enjoy exploring a wreck's machinery, poking around a boiler, or just sitting quietly amongst the metal, watching the wrasse pick at the anemones. Keep an eye out for a grumpy conger eel; they often favour the deeper, darker sections of the engine room. This isn't a deep dive, sitting at 20m, which makes it accessible for a decent bottom time, giving you plenty of opportunity to soak in the history.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.998930, -1.160267
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Marine Protected Area: Mousa

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 MURRAYFIELD (POSSIBLY)

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 MURRAYFIELD (POSSIBLY)

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