JAMES STEWART

Protected Area

Rathlin 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) - JAMES STEWART offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 9m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The *James Stewart* is a beauty, a brigantine that went down in 1856, sitting upright and surprisingly intact for its age. We’ve always been drawn to wrecks with a bit of history, and this one delivers. She’s only in about 9 metres of water, so bottom time isn’t an issue, even if you’re taking your time. What we love about the *James Stewart* is how approachable she is. You can trace her lines, see the deck structures, and poke your head into the holds where the light filters down through the kelp. Ling often lurk in the shadows, and you’ll spot wrasse darting in and out of the timbers. The wreck itself has become a home for anemones, a colourful patchwork against the dark wood. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers wanting to capture that moody, historical feel, or for anyone who just wants to spend a relaxed hour exploring a piece of maritime history. The visibility here can be decent, especially on an incoming tide. We’d suggest going on a slack tide for the easiest conditions; it lets you really soak it all in.