POLITICIAN (BOW SECTION) - Scottish West Coast

We love the Politician’s Bow Section, not just for the *Whisky Galore!* history, but because it’s a properly good shallow wreck dive. At just 10 metres, it’s accessible to most, and what you get is a chunky piece of history, well broken up but still recognisable as a ship’s pointy end. The bow points north, largely intact, with plating ripped open like tin cans in places. Swim through these gaps and you’re in what would have been the forepeak, now a cathedral of light and shadow, with kelp swaying in the gentle surge. We’ve seen plenty of conger eels here, tucked deep into twisted metal, their heads poking out like grumpy old men. Look for dogfish resting on the sand nearby, too, perfectly camouflaged. We always find ourselves lingering around the anchor chains, now draped in dead man's fingers, orange and white against the grey steel. Our favourite bit is the way the light filters down through the surface, creating an ethereal glow around the wreck. It’s a fantastic site for photographers, especially on a calm, sunny day, when the water turns that classic Hebridean emerald. Just remember, it’s Scotland, so be prepared for a bit of chill.

Location

Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

57.066400, -7.275904

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

10m

Marine Protected Area: Sound of Barra