HMS STRATHRANNOCK

Protected Area

St Abb's Head to Fast Castle

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 STRATHRANNOCK 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 56m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The HMS Strathrannock is an absolute belter for those who appreciate a deep, intact wreck. She’s a trawler, pressed into service as a minesweeper, and she met her end in 1917. We’ve had some truly memorable dives here. Dropping down, you’ll find her upright and remarkably complete on the seabed at 56 metres. The visibility can be surprisingly good, especially on a settled day, giving you that proper sense of scale as you descend through the blue. What we love most is exploring her engine room, with the triple-expansion engine still largely in place – a proper peek into maritime history. The stern section is particularly interesting, often hosting conger eels peeking out from various crevices. Around the bow, you’ll usually find plenty of squat lobsters clinging to the plating, and sometimes a ling or two lurking. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, comfortable with deco and deep penetration. Go for it on a slack tide, obviously, and be prepared for that chill; it’s the North Sea after all.