Diving for cover!

Well oh well, we all dived for cover this week as we encountered another severe weather warning. However, it has come to our attention (from a reliable source), that many of our followers have opted to use the internet to check out the images of a stormy West Coast of Scotland.

Regardless of the stimulus, a spike in online visitors is positive.....but, the coastal regions of West Coast of Scotland must be mindful that the famous bad weather had a hand in creating an abundance of ship wrecks in the area. In fact, the area is increasingly popular as a diving destination as it is blessed with a diverse eco-system and boasts diving conditions to suit every diver.

The Puffin Dive Centre, on the outskirts of the Oban, provides training courses throughout the year. All essential equipment can be hired, including wet and dry suits, and there are many boats available to take you to all the local wrecks and scenic dive sites. For instance, the 'Breda' sank in the deep sea of Ardmucknish Bay. It sits upright on the seabed and is a popular site for divers . The magnificent ship, still in tact other than a missing propeller, is covered in starfish and crayfish and it's original cargo can still be seen. Another, the Swedish Steamer 'Hispania' hit a reef during a storm and sank in the Sound of Mull. The wreck acts as an enjoyable site for divers and is home to sponges, fish and anemones. There are many beautiful wrecks in the Sound of Mull area at shallow depths, such as the 'Shuna', or the more demanding 'Rondo'.

Diving the West Coast is increasingly attractive due to the variety of reefs, drifts, wildlife and wrecks and we hope the formation of unique reefs, marine species habitats will enrich the experience of diving (whatever the weather!)