wreck

Log This Dive

LOHADA OR LOWLANDER

The Lowlander, or Lohada as it’s sometimes called, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to on the Scottish West Coast. It's not deep, just 14 metres, making it approachable for most divers, but don't let the shallowness fool you. This isn't just a pile of metal; it’s a properly broken-up cargo ship, hit by a mine back in 1917, and nature has done its best to reclaim it. We love dropping onto the stern, usually the most intact section, where you can still make out the prop shaft. The ribs of the hull are splayed open like giant fingers, creating a labyrinth of swim-throughs and bolt-holes for conger eels – we’ve seen some absolute monsters tucked away here. Look for the glint of squat lobsters in the crevices and the flash of pollock darting between the beams. Visibility can be a bit variable, as it often is in Scotland, so pick a slack tide for the best experience. We find the soft corals, dead man's fingers, are particularly lush here, clinging to every available surface. Our favourite part is drifting over the scattered cargo, often identifiable as coal, a stark reminder of its last journey. It’s a compelling piece of history, easily explored, and a real peek into the past.