wreck

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Wreck of Ilma

The Ilma isn’t about colourful reefs; it’s about atmosphere and history, a proper Scottish wreck dive. We’ve always been drawn to how she rests, almost upright, on a sandy seabed. Dropping down, the visibility is often surprisingly good here, giving you a chance to appreciate her full profile. This steam trawler, sunk in 1918, is surprisingly intact for her age, with a lot of the structure still holding together. You can really get a sense of her working life, particularly around the bow and stern sections. We love nosing around the engine room, which is quite open, letting the light play through the skeletal machinery. Shoals of saithe and pollock often swirl around the superstructure, and we’ve found decent-sized lobsters tucked into every crevice. Our favourite spot is usually the prop, which is still there, green with growth and often guarded by a grumpy conger eel. It’s a dive that suits those who appreciate historical wrecks and aren't put off by cooler water. Best dived on a slack tide, obviously, but the currents here are usually manageable. Bring a good torch; the nooks and crannies are worth the extra light.