Wreck of John Preston - Scottish West Coast

The John Preston is just classic Scottish wreck diving. It’s not about tropical colours here, it’s about atmosphere, history, and a good few challenges thrown in. The wreck itself is pretty broken up, scattered across the seabed, but that’s half the fun. You spend your dive piecing together the story, spotting a boiler here, a crumpled plate there. Our pick for exploring is definitely the bow section; it’s still fairly intact and makes for some brilliant swim-throughs, just watch your buoyancy in the tighter spots. What we love about the Preston is how the cold, nutrient-rich water has turned it into an artificial reef. You’ll find colossal plumose anemones, often in bright oranges and whites, covering almost every surface. Look for the wolfish lurking in crevices, their prehistoric faces are always a treat, and crabs scuttling amongst the debris. Visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss, typical for the West Coast, so we always suggest picking a day with minimal swell for the best chance of a clear run. It's a dive for those who appreciate the chill of the North Atlantic and a bit of a scavenger hunt beneath the waves.

Location

Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

56.533050, -5.808214

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Glas Eileanan