DOWNIE HILLS

Protected Area

Kilminning Coast

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - DOWNIE HILLS offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 4m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Downie Hills is one of those shallow wrecks we keep coming back to, especially when the weather’s a bit frisky elsewhere. You’re looking at a trawler from 1917, sunk in 1926, and she’s sitting in just 4 metres of water. That makes for some seriously long bottom times. We love dropping in on a calm day, when the sun penetrates the surface and lights up the deck. The visibility here can be surprisingly good, sometimes 10 metres or more, which really lets you appreciate the hull. Our favourite thing about Downie Hills is the way the wreck has become a home. You’ll spot crabs scuttling between the ribs of the hull and schools of juvenile coalfish darting through the superstructure. Keep an eye out for the plumose anemones, they’re everywhere, waving gently in the surge. Exploring the exposed boiler is always a highlight; it’s still very much intact. The site is perfect for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting to spend time framing shots without worrying about deco limits. It’s also a solid choice for a second dive.