wreck

Log This Dive

JANET MCNICOL

The Janet McNicol is a proper dive, a proper piece of history right there in Lamlash Bay. She’s an old wooden fishing vessel, sunk back in 1907 after bad weather took its toll. You’re not getting huge structural integrity here, obviously, but what we love is how the bones of her have settled into the seabed. You can still make out the ribs, the curve of the hull, and it gives you a real sense of her original form. It’s not a deep dive, around 16 metres, which makes it perfect for a relaxed exploration. We’ve found this wreck to be surprisingly lively. Even without being able to list specific species, we always see plenty of crabs scuttling amongst the timbers and plump wrasse nosing into the crevices. The visibility can be hit-and-miss, it’s Scotland after all, but on a good day, the light filtering down onto that dark wood is just beautiful. It feels like stepping back in time. For anyone who appreciates the history in a wreck, rather than just the steel, this is our pick. Just be mindful of the silty bottom; buoyancy control is your friend here to keep that historical view clear.