ARRAN III - Scottish West Coast

The Arran III sits in the Firth of Clyde, a stern old lady in surprisingly shallow water. At just 10 metres, she’s a perfect introduction to wreck diving, or a relaxed second dive for those of us who appreciate a bit of history without the nitrogen narcosis. We’ve always loved how the light filters down here, even on a cloudy day, picking out the skeletal ribs of her hull. She ran aground on Hogmanay in 1932, and you can still feel that sense of a sudden, final stop as you swim through her broken remains. Her relatively small size, around 30 metres long, means you can take your time exploring the whole thing without feeling rushed. Our favourite part has to be the engine room; the machinery is still somewhat intact, draped in green fronds of kelp and anemones that pulse gently with the surge. You’ll spot wrasse darting in and out of the plating, and if you look closely, common gobies peeking from every crevice. We’d suggest going at slack water, as currents can pick up, making it a bit more of a workout than it needs to be. It’s a site that proves you don’t need extreme depth for an engaging dive.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.891582, -5.405553
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - ARRAN III

Year Sunk
1932
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The ARRAN III was a small, 30-metre steamship that met its end on New Year's Eve, 1932. While navigating the often-treacherous waters of Scotland's West Coast, the vessel ran aground and subsequently sank. Its final moments marked the end of an era for these small coastal steamers that were once the lifeblood of the Scottish isles, connecting remote communities and transporting essential goods.

Resting at a shallow depth of just 10 meters, the ARRAN III is now a highly accessible wreck dive. While the years have taken their toll and the wreck is broken up, divers can still identify key features like the boiler and engine components scattered across the seabed. The site has become a thriving artificial reef, with its metal plates and structures providing a home for a variety of local marine life, including crabs, lobsters, and schools of small fish. Its designation as a 'Dangerous Wreck' serves as a reminder to be cautious of sharp metal and potential entanglement, but its shallow location makes it an excellent and atmospheric dive for novices and experienced explorers alike.

Marine Protected Area: Kyles of Bute

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to ARRAN III

Marine Life in Scottish West Coast

Home to 127 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 sharks & rays, 8 other, 7 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species