HMS CRAMOND ISLAND

Protected Area

Burnmouth 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 - HMS CRAMOND ISLAND 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 57m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

We love a wreck with a story, and the HMS Cramond Island has a good one. This old trawler, requisitioned in WWII to guard the Firth of Forth, was sunk by German aircraft off St Abbs Head in 1941. At 57 metres, it’s a site for experienced technical divers, no question, but the rewards are there. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer size of it, stretching 39 metres along the seabed. The wreck lies mostly intact, upright, and feels very much like a ship, not just a pile of metal. We’ve found the bridge area particularly interesting to explore, and the bow section, still quite proud, often holds some surprises. Look out for the resident ling and conger eels that have made their homes in the deeper recesses. The deck is often covered in dead man's fingers and anemones, adding colour to the muted light. It’s a challenging dive, given the depth and often stiff currents common in these waters, but for those who make the effort, it’s a tangible piece of history, colonised by the sea. Expect proper Scottish diving – cold, a bit dark, but always worth it for a wreck like this.