Wreck of William

Protected Area

South Coast of Arran

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 William 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 William, a steel trawler, lies broken but still compelling just off the Isle of Coll. When we talk about Scottish wreck diving, this one often comes up as a particular favourite. Dropping onto the wreck, usually through water that can feel a bit green at the surface, you’ll find a surprising amount of structure still intact, though the stern is definitely the most impressive part. We love exploring the collapsed wheelhouse, now home to a resident congregation of plumose anemones, their frilly white tentacles waving gently in the current. Look closely among the wreckage for nudibranchs, often some vibrant specimens, and the occasional inquisitive wrasse. It’s a site that rewards patience and a good torch, revealing more details the longer you spend. This spot is definitely for those who appreciate history and the way the sea reclaims its own, rather than a vibrant reef. A little current often sweeps through, so it's a good one for divers comfortable with slightly more dynamic conditions.