Andy Kiddier dives the Rondo . An American tramp steamer sunk in 1935 near Tobermory , the Rondo lies bow-down at a steep angle between 6m and 54m |
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PHOTO : MIKE SHEAN |
Calve Island acts as a natural breakwater for Tobermory Bay and is home to a colony of grey seals . The seals will sometimes join divers along the sloping wall at its north east tip , which descends to 45 metres . |
The wreck of the Breda has been heavily salvaged but remains a popular dive site due to its sheltered location in Ardmucknish Bay and relatively shallow depth at only 20 metres to parts of the deck |
PHOTO : ANDY KIDDIER |
Comfortable accommodation , including ample parking for RIBs , was booked at Cologin Country Chalets and Lodges ( see www . cologin . co . uk ). Restrictions prevented our planned big group meals in the evening in ‘ The Barn ’ pub / restaurant . However , the site owners ( the always welcoming Battison family ) were still offering a reduced food menu of freshly prepared evening meals , good beer ( outside only ), and even a pre-order takeaway service !
Rest day activities included beautiful walks in the rolling hills around the Argyll countryside and even a trip to the Oban Whisky Distillery followed by battered haggis and chips by the seaside .
Our group of divers was fairly wellqualified and experienced . However , most of the diving was within BSAC Sports Diver range and the trip would have made for a great training opportunity , had the circumstances been more favourable .
In the event , despite all of the worries , concerns , and challenging logistics , it was a great week of fun diving , photography and underwater exploration , set against a backdrop of stunning scenery and some fascinating wreck history . We certainly hope to return again soon with more branch members – now that restrictions have been lifted - as part of a packed and varied dive programme for 2021 and 2022 . �
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