Investigating the Isles of Shetland, Scotland

In a remarkable turn of events, a renowned underwater photographer has shared their captivating experience of a week-long diving trip to Shetland, an archipelago off the north coast of Scotland. The journey was awarded as part of the Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, with the prize including a trip on MV Clasina to photograph remote reefs in clear water.

The winner, a self-proclaimed marine life enthusiast with a preference for photographing marine life rather than wrecks, was taken aback by the transformation of their opinion towards British wreck diving after this extraordinary adventure.

The trip commenced with a 550-mile trek from the Midlands, culminating in a relaxing 210-mile journey overnight on the ferry. Upon arrival, the group embarked on a series of dives that left an indelible impression.

One of the highlights was the dive at Hermaness Bird Sanctuary on Yell, offering a breathtaking view of Muckle Flugga lighthouse, the most northern point in the UK. Another memorable dive was at the Giant's Legs at Bard Head, a geological formation created by erosion, with a series of broken steps for diving.

The group also had the opportunity to explore numerous wrecks, some resting on white sand where the entire vessel could be seen. Among these were the HMS E-49 submarine, sunk in 1917 outside Balta Sound, and the Pionersk, a factory fishing ship that went down in the 1990s. While the visibility at the Pionersk dive site was challenging with 3-4m visibility, the boat, the crew, the group, the diving, and the stunning scenery were all considered fantastic by the winner.

The Gwladmina, a large Victorian steam ship that sank in 1918, was another site of interest, standing upright in 39m. Despite being a war grave, the HMS E-49 submarine dive site was home to the conning tower, periscope, and some gears responsible for maintaining trim, providing a unique diving experience.

It's worth noting that the trip took place after COVID-secure sailings had resumed, with MV Clasina employing a comprehensive COVID checklist that needed to be completed online before boarding.

For those interested in exploring Shetland's rich marine life and stunning landscapes, it's essential to book ferry tickets in advance and register Scuba cylinders as hazardous cargo. Hermaness Bird Sanctuary on Yell is a must-visit, with more information available at www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/hermaness-national-nature-reserve-p246921.

While specific details about diving experiences in Shetland are limited, the islands' unique position in the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean offers an environment that could support a variety of marine species. For a comprehensive understanding of the diving highlights in Shetland, additional information from local dive operators or specific accounts from experienced divers would be necessary.

Lastly, a visit to the UK's most northern pub, the Balta Light, can add a touch of local flavour to your Shetland diving adventure. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/BaltaLightBar/.

In conclusion, while there is no direct account from the winning underwater photographer, Shetland's natural beauty and marine biodiversity suggest it could be a fascinating location for diving, with potential for capturing unique underwater experiences.

The winner of the Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, expressing a preference for photographing marine life over wrecks, found their perspective shifting after an extraordinary diving trip to Shetland.
The meticulous 550-mile journey from the Midlands and 210-mile ferry ride to Shetland set the stage for an unforgettable week-long diving adventure.
At Hermaness Bird Sanctuary on Yell, the group was captivated by the enchanting view of Muckle Flugga lighthouse, the northernmost point in the UK.
The distinctive Giant's Legs at Bard Head, formed by erosion, provided a captivating diving experience with a series of broken steps leading the way.
Numerous wrecks were explored, including the HMS E-49 submarine and the factory fishing ship Pionersk, where the group appreciated the breath-taking marine life despite the challenging visibility.
The trip on MV Clasina also offered a rare opportunity to delve into the HMS E-49 submarine's conning tower and periscope, providing a unique diving experience that stood as a war grave.
As COVID-secure sailings had resumed, MV Clasina implemented a rigorous COVID checklist for the safety of all aboard.
For enthusiastic divers planning to explore Shetland's rich marine life and enchanting landscapes, early ferry ticket bookings and the registration of Scuba cylinders as hazardous cargo are highly recommended.