The trip was my first open water diving experience in the UK so I set off with some trepidation, mainly about the probability of cold waters but I was to be very pleasantly surprised. Setting off early to avoid traffic we were getting increasingly worried as we heard the traffic reports of a road closure at Loch Fyne. By the time we reached Loch Lomond, Matt told us that we’d need to divert through Oban. The epic journey was eased by excellent weather, making a tour of Scotland and the fish and chips on the harbour in Oban much more appealing. Nevertheless we were very happy to arrive at the surprisingly plush accommodation, with many previous attendees delighted to have been promoted up the hill out of caravans and into lodges.

Saturday morning emerged, this couldn’t possibly be Scotland, the sky was clear blue and the sun was shining. Having sensibly arranged a late start we arrived to view the newly finished(ish) ‘Big Blue’ sitting in extremely calm waters. Kitting up in the harbour, Karl somehow detached the wrist seal from is suit so Ray (always has a million spares of everything) luckily saved the day with one of his ‘spare’ suits and it fit Karl like a glove. So we cast off, only to turn around seconds later for a different hose, Chris had a good run up the jetty and got his spare (he must be a Ray in training). Our first dive was at South Bay a gentle slope with a rock wall. There was an abundance of wildlife amongst the crevices. 11 divers emerged into glorious sunlight, this cannot be Scotland. After our strenuous activities we headed into port for a well-deserved lunch. The town delicatessen was offering a range of excellent sandwiches and coffees, so we adjourned for lunch to the newly developed harbour walk and sunbathed drinking ginger and root beer. Two o ‘clock came round way too quickly and we set off to Goose Bay, as the tide was running a little in the Loch. Another excellent dive with lots of life including a tasty looking plaice. Having left Anne with the responsibility of sourcing an eating establishment for the evening we had a table at the Corner House Bistro. Diane attempted to book us a taxi, however, was informed that the only taxi driver in Loch Fyne had gone to Glasgow so there was no service available. Anne gallantly agreed to be the designated driver for one lodge and the others enjoyed a pre dinner walk. The restaurant was a step above the normal hostelries but the food was French style and excellent. The pedestrians enjoyed the opportunity to walk off their indulgences and the spontaneous fireworks, although it was a bit nippy!

We awoke to a second glorious day, this can’t be Scotland. Another day of flat calm and we set out to The Knows, this is a low submerged island in the Loch, lots of scallops including Queenies surround the island, which is covered in Brittle stars and voracious starfish. This was a wonderful explore including finding sea mice. Syd unfortunately had to leave us and we all bid farewell. A pack up lunch followed by some sunbathing.

The second dive was a rock strewn ledge with an abundance of Congers. For the evening we decided to self cater so the appointed chefs amassed their creations in the ‘executive lodge’ where the revels continued late into the night (think it was about 10pm!).

It’s Monday and unfortunately we have to go home. An early start sees us jumping in for the Margaret Niven before 10am. An excellent dive with even more life in the rock crevices, even if some have difficulty finding the guide rope. Brunch was another trip to the delicatessen eating inside as the weather started to become a bit cooler, far more Scotland-like. Last dive of the trip was foraging for scallops and Malcolm very kindly shelled the catch on the boat for the sake of speed and the swag was divided by the group.

The unloading of the boat went very smoothly against the harbour wall and we all managed to make a quick get away on to the much more reasonably timed journey home. We left Matt and Anne to enjoy some peace and quiet for one more day at the Loch.

Report By Ray and Emma Dawson