Wreck of North Branch

Protected Area

Bridgend Flats, Islay

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - Wreck of North Branch offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The North Branch wreck is pure Scottish drama. We love how it rests, broken but still proud, on the seabed, a proper ghost ship. Dropping onto the bridge section, you really get a sense of the sheer scale. The bow points north, funnel gone, mast lying broken on the port side, and we always spend a good while just taking in the twisted metal and decay. This isn’t about pristine coral, obviously. It’s about history, about exploration, and about the marine life that thrives in these northern waters. Look for the massive conger eels peering out from the deeper sections, their eyes glinting in your torch beam, and we’ve spotted some truly enormous edible crabs scuttling across the deck plates. Ling cod often lurk in the cargo holds. It’s a site that rewards multiple dives. Our favourite part? Penetrating the engine room, if conditions allow, but always stick to your limits here. It’s a proper expedition dive, best suited for experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts comfortable with deeper dives and the often-moody visibility that makes these Scottish wrecks so atmospheric. Slack water is key for a comfortable dive; otherwise, the currents can be quite frisky.