CLAN GILLIAN - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Clan Gillian, just off the Scottish East Coast, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. Sunk back in ’81 after a run-in with something unseen, this 9.1-metre fishing vessel now sits upright in a very accessible 14 metres of water. We love a wreck that’s still got its shape, and the Clan Gillian really delivers. You can drop down and immediately get a feel for its past life, picking out the wheelhouse, the deck fittings, and even the remnants of its fishing gear. It’s not just a steel hulk, though. This wreck is absolutely smothered in life. You’ll find dead man’s fingers clinging to every surface, and the anemones are huge, their tentacles waving in the slight current. We always spot wrasse darting in and out of the nooks and crannies, and often, a grumpy-looking conger eel peering out from under the deck. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, sunny day; the light penetration really makes the colours pop, and the visibility tends to be at its best. It’s an ideal dive for newer wreck enthusiasts or anyone looking for a relaxed, interesting dive where you can take your time exploring a piece of local maritime history. Just remember, it can get a bit silty inside if you’re not careful with your fin kicks.

Location

Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

55.000366, -1.379951

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

14m

Marine Protected Area: Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice