BRIGADIER
Protected Area
Horse Island
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - BRIGADIER offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The Brigadier, tucked on the Scottish West Coast, is a proper wee dive. We’re talking shallow, like three metres shallow, so it’s perfect for a long, relaxed potter. She was a tug, ran aground back in ’60, got refloated, but eventually settled here, lying on her side. What we love about her is how accessible everything feels. You can fin around the bow, trace the line of her deck, and even peek into some of the more open sections of the hull. It’s an intimate wreck dive, more about the texture and the small details than big, dramatic vistas. Look for the glint of sunlight catching the barnacles, the way kelp fronds sway over decaying metal, and those little cracks where crabs and blennies hide. The Brigadier is our pick for an easy, contemplative dive, especially good on a calm day when the light penetrates right to the bottom. It might not be deep, but it’s got bags of character and a quiet charm that keeps us coming back.
Typical BRIGADIER Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
BRIGADIER Wreck History
Year Sunk
1960
Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
grounding
Resting in just 3 meters of water off the south side of Horse Island, the wreck of the tugboat Brigadier is a fantastic and accessible dive for all levels. She ran aground here on a winter's day in 1960, and while her oil was successfully removed, the vessel itself was left to the sea. Its shallow depth means divers can enjoy long, relaxed bottom times exploring the remains. The wreck provides a great opportunity for underwater photography and is an excellent site for a second dive of the day or for those new to wreck diving on Scotland's beautiful west coast.
Nearest Dive Centres to BRIGADIER
Dive shops near BRIGADIER
Field Studies Council Millport
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Just Dive In CIC
Splashsports Services
Scuba Diving Scotland
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