MORAY FIRTH, SCOTLAND

6th – 13th JULY 2003

(6 diving days, 7th - 12th July)

Location

In the North-east of Scotland, this area is renowned for good weather, good visibility, and lots of wildlife; dolphins, seals and whales are a common sight. The dive boat lies at Lossiemouth, a small harbour roughly 40 miles from Inverness. Further details available on website www.moraydiving.com. (NB The boat on the website is currently being sold, to be replaced with larger catamaran).

Cost Estimate

Estimated at present per person (max 12) –

Boat hire for the week (6 days diving): £145

Accommodation (upwards of): £70

Travel: tbc

Food etc: tbc

The Diving

A mixture of good quality, intact wrecks, and interesting scenic dives. These include;

San Tiburcio – a large tanker sunk in 1940, lying in two sections at 25m at cabin level to 42m at the sea bed.

HMS Verona – a luxury yacht pressed into service, she sank in 1917 on hitting a mine, and is a war grave. A haunting dive, highlights include a beautiful bowsprit, luxury ornamented toilet bowls, and deck-mounted guns. 40-45m.

The Unity – lovely light trawler lying in 25m, open hold, fully intact.

The Tantivy – a British submarine scuttled by the Navy in 1950 as a sonar target. She sits upright in 41m and is in excellent condition.

Valentine tanks – two have been located, one in 10m, the other in 25m.

The Skerries – a lighthouse point where aircraft wreckage can be seen, plus accompaniment from the resident seals.

Accommodation

Accommodation ranges from caravans ½ mile from the harbour, at roughly £10pp per night, to B&B or hotel at up to £45pp per night. Camping also available. To be organized/booked pending interest and preference. Good pubs close by.

Travel

First responses indicate preferred travel may well be by car. Overnight train also a good option, also flight to Inverness or Aberdeen. Tbc.

Other Stuff

This is a great area. Fantastic sea walks and views, a whiskey distillery, plus numerous castles and other historic stuff. Plus shopping for the real thing in Johnston Woollen Mills in Elgin. At this time of year it gets dark late if at all properly, so lovely evenings to be had supping beer whilst looking out across the bay, or partying if you have the energy left!

Clare Ruck

Tel: 0207 720 9504

Mob: 07770 658 063