Glebe Rocks
Glebe Rocks (photo by Scalpay Diving Services).
Glebe rock is not really a rock but a submerged reef, 100m offshore from Eilean Glas Lighthouse. Although only a short way from the shore, this is a high energy diving site and, therefore, it must be a boat dive. This area is also popular with the local fishermen, fishing for shellfish with creels and fishing for bait etc. The reef is not marked by any buoys, so, if you are visiting the site a sounder is a must.
DIVING
At its shallowest Glebe Rock rises to 5m below the surface, with one side providing a vertical wall (west side) dropping from 5m to 26m at its deepest point. It is best to start your dive at the bottom of the wall and then to proceed upwards to explore the top of the reef. The dive is inadvisable in a strong South Westerly. The current can run at 4 - 5 knots on spring tides. This boat dive is best done on slack water. The visability is usually 10 - 15m, although it can be as low as 6 - 7m when the bloom is on. 20m has been experienced. With such a range of depth, plan your dive carefully to avoid too many changes of depth. Some experience of strong currents is advisable.
Marine Life
From the boat you are likely to see porpoise, seals and Minke Whales. The top of the reef is relatively flat with only shallow gullies and, as you would expect, there is a healthy growth of kelp encrusted with life. The rocks below the kelp line are covered in jewel anemones as well as dahlia, plumrose and devon cup coral. A full selection of wrasse will usually be in residence, along with dogfish and shoals of large pollock. The wall has dead men's fingers and large tube sponges. On the ledges you will find lobster and very large crawfish, which you may also even find wandering around the base of the wall in daylight. There are also quantities of edible crab and everything you would expect from such a high energy site.
For further info contact Scalpay Diving Services
Glebe rock (photo by Scalpay Diving Services).
