HEATHER BLOOM
Protected Area
Inner Hebrides and the Minches
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) - HEATHER BLOOM offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The Heather Bloom, a small fishing vessel, ran aground off Mallaig in 1987. She’s easily accessible and perfect for a relaxed dive, often done from the shore. You’ll find her mostly intact, lying on a silty bottom at just 18 metres. We love how her holds are still open, letting you peek inside, and the wheelhouse, though a bit battered, is still recognisable. The wreck acts like an apartment block for the local critters. Look for feisty velvet swimming crabs tucked into every crevice, big balls of wrasse hovering over the deck, and sometimes a ling or a conger eel peeking from deeper parts of the hull. Visibility here can be hit or miss, typical for Scottish waters, so aim for a calm day and slack water. It’s a great site for photographers who enjoy macro life, or anyone wanting a gentle exploration of a piece of local history.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
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