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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).
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