Wreck of Countess Of Elgin

Protected Area

Outer Firth of Forth and St Andrews Bay Complex

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - Wreck of Countess Of Elgin 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

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Countess of Elgin wreck is a proper Scottish adventure, no two ways about it. We’ve had some truly memorable dives here, battling through a bit of current to reach her. When the visibility is on your side, say 10 to 15 meters on a good day, she really comes alive. You drop down onto this old steamer, upright and largely intact, and immediately you’re struck by the scale. Our favourite moments are finning along her deck, peering into the cargo holds, sometimes finding a curious crab scuttling away. The bow section, with its anchor chains still draped, often hosts a resident conger eel, a proper old beast with a head like a bulldog. It’s a rewarding dive for experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a challenge. The strong currents can be a factor, so we always suggest diving this one on slack water. The deeper parts of the wreck, down around 30 meters, are often shadowed, giving a real sense of intrusion into the past. It’s not about flashy colours here, it’s about the sheer presence of the wreck and the hardy life that’s made it home.