DALRIADA - Scottish West Coast

The Dalriada, a brigantine sunk in 1910, sits upright in only 10 metres of water. We love a shallow wreck, especially when it’s still so intact. It’s perfect for a long bottom time, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore the hold and pick out details of the rigging, if visibility allows. The wooden hull has mostly rotted away, but the frames, the bow, and stern are very recognisable. Look for the anchor chain running out from the bow. What truly makes the Dalriada a standout, though, is the sheer quantity of life that has colonised it. You’ll find walls of plumose anemones, often in bright oranges and whites, covering almost every surface. Ling and wrasse dart in and out of the structure, and if you look closely amongst the detritus, you might spot a velvet crab or two. We'd suggest going on a slack tide for the best experience, as the currents here can pick up, making photography tricky. It’s a site that really delivers, offering a tangible piece of history buzzing with life, and it’s suitable for almost any diver comfortable with UK conditions.

Location

Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.950650, -5.740472

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

10m

Marine Protected Area: The Maidens