Wreck of Riseborough

Protected Area

St Andrews - Craig Hartle

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 Riseborough 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 *Riseborough* isn’t about tropical colours or balmy water. This is proper, rugged Scottish wreck diving, and we absolutely love it for that. She’s a big steamship, sunk in 1917 after a collision, and what you get now is a beautifully broken up yet still substantial wreck. Hull plates are ripped open, revealing cavernous holds that beg for exploration, though we always recommend a good light and plenty of caution for penetration. What really stands out here is the way the sea has reclaimed her. Dense carpets of plumose anemones smother the metalwork, their feathery white polyps waving in the current. You’ll find squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and often a grumpy wolfish peering out from a darker corner. Our favourite part is navigating the engine room, which is still remarkably intact – you can almost picture the stokers at work. This is a site for experienced cold-water divers who appreciate history and the wild beauty of northern wrecks. Dive it on a slack tide for the best visibility, otherwise, prepare for a bit of a workout.