Wreck of Strathmore

Protected Area

Ailsa Craig

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 Strathmore 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 Strathmore isn't your average Scottish wreck. We think it’s one of the best out there, a real standout amongst the often-broken up remains found further south. This isn't a site for the faint-hearted or a first-timer on a wreck, though. The currents here can be fierce, making the dive an exhilarating challenge when conditions are right. We love the way she sits upright, almost defiant, allowing for some incredible penetration dives if you’re properly trained and equipped. Even if you just stick to the outside, you’ll find the wreck absolutely dripping with life. Crabs scuttle over rusted bulkheads, conger eels peer out from dark crevices, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, a curious seal will pop by to say hello. The visibility can be hit-or-miss, as with much of the west coast, but when it's good, seeing the Strathmore emerge from the gloom is a truly atmospheric experience. Our favourite part? Finning through the holds, imagining the cargo she once carried, and watching the light shafts pierce the darkness. For experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts, it’s a proper adventure.