wreck

Log This Dive

ISABELLA OF WIGTON (PROBABLY)

The Isabella of Wigton is one of those wrecks that just oozes history, even if you’re diving it on a grey Scottish day. We love how accessible she is, sitting upright in just 21 metres, making for a relaxed dive that still feels like a proper exploration. Descending onto the schooner’s wooden hull, you can almost feel the chill of that 1864 November night when the Lord Gough ploughed into her. What you'll find today is a remarkably intact timber hull, draped in plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. There are plenty of nooks to peek into, often revealing a lurking conger eel or a collection of velvet swimming crabs scuttling over the timbers. The bow section is our favourite, with its sturdy lines still clearly defined, and we’d suggest taking your time to really appreciate the structure here. This site is fantastic for photographers or anyone keen on a gentle wreck dive with a real sense of narrative. Just be mindful of local tides; slack water makes for the most enjoyable rummage around the deck.