RAVENSHEUGH - Scottish West Coast

Ravensheugh is a cracking shallow wreck, surprisingly good for a Scottish coastal dive. She went down in 1911, and while a "dangerous wreck" designation might sound off-putting, it really just means you need to be careful with the bits poking out. The best part? She’s right there at 2m. We love being able to spend a full dive exploring her without any NDL concerns. Being so shallow, Ravensheugh gets plenty of light, even on a cloudy day. You can trace the lines of her iron plates, now draped in green kelp and orange dead man's fingers. Crabs scuttle in the darker corners of the collapsed hull sections, and we’ve often seen blennies peering out from crevices. Our favourite find here is always the conger eels, tucked into the bigger openings, sometimes with just their heads poking out, watching you pass. It’s an easy shore entry, making it perfect for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting to play with ambient light and long bottom times. Just be mindful of local boat traffic; a surface marker buoy is a must.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.323162, -7.117555
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Hough Bay and Balevullin Machair

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to RAVENSHEUGH

Marine Life in Scottish West Coast

Home to 127 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 sharks & rays, 8 other, 7 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical maximum depth for recreational diving at RAVENSHEUGH?
The maximum depth for recreational diving at the RAVENSHEUGH dive site is a very shallow 2 meters. This makes it an accessible site, though its classification as a dangerous wreck suggests other factors contribute to its intermediate difficulty.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at RAVENSHEUGH?
Divers at RAVENSHEUGH can expect to explore the remains of a significant steam ship vessel. This iron-built wreck, measuring 80.2m x 10.7m, sank on October 29, 1911, and features one boiler and a compound expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species.
How challenging is the RAVENSHEUGH dive site for divers of different experience levels?
The RAVENSHEUGH dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. Despite its shallow depth of 2 meters, it is also noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that factors beyond depth, such as potential hazards or conditions, contribute to its challenge. Divers should be prepared for these complexities.
What are the best months or seasons to dive at RAVENSHEUGH for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions at RAVENSHEUGH. For general guidance on diving in the United Kingdom, it's advisable to consult local dive operators or resources like DivePlnr's When to Dive section for regional weather patterns and water conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at RAVENSHEUGH?
Given the RAVENSHEUGH dive site's intermediate difficulty and classification as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should ideally possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. While not explicitly stated, additional wreck diving specialty training would be highly recommended to safely navigate and explore the site's unique challenges.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the RAVENSHEUGH dive site?
The available information for the RAVENSHEUGH dive site does not detail typical current conditions or visibility. As an intermediate and dangerous wreck site on the Scottish West Coast, conditions can vary significantly. It is always recommended to check with local dive centers for up-to-date reports on currents and visibility before planning your dive.