wreck

Log This Dive

HEISTAD

Heistad is one of those wrecks that really tells a story, even if you have to work a bit for it. She’s a wooden sailing vessel, and while the bows are pretty broken up, a lot of her midsection and stern still hold together. We love nosing around the frames and timbers, imagining the crew’s final moments back in 1916 during that brutal storm. Visibility here can swing wildly, so pick your day carefully, ideally after a few dry days with no big swells. We'd suggest aiming for slack water, too; the currents around Montrose Bay can be spirited. What we really enjoy is the sheer amount of life that's made a home in the wreckage: big wrasse patrol the deeper sections, and you'll often find conger eels tucked into the more sheltered spots. The seabed around the wreck is usually dotted with scallops, a bonus for the keen-eyed. It’s a dive that rewards patience and a good torch, perfect for divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a rummage.