Wreck of Gattaway

Protected Area

Barry Links

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 Gattaway 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 Gattaway is an absolute favourite for us when we’re up on the Scottish East Coast. It’s not the biggest wreck you’ll ever dive, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere and accessibility. The wreck sits upright, remarkably intact for its age, and you can easily make out the bow and stern, with the midships opening up into cavernous holds. We love finning through the superstructure, feeling the shift in temperature as you move deeper into the shadowed sections. Visibility can be a real lottery here, but when it’s good, the light filtering through the kelp-covered sections of the hull is just magical, illuminating thick clusters of dead man’s fingers and anemones. Look closely in the darker corners and you’ll often spot a grumpy-looking wolf fish peering out, or the darting forms of pollack and cod. It’s a superb site for anyone who appreciates the history of a wreck and the way marine life reclaims it, without needing to battle strong currents or extreme depths.