Diving
Whether your interest is marine biology, technical diving, or simply having fun, visit the
clear water diving destinations all around the Scottish coast, which offer a unique
opportunity to enjoy scenic undersea beauty, interesting wrecks, and photographic
opportunities in an unspoiled underwater environment.
Scotland's underwater environment is as rugged
as its landscape - an unpolluted home for a wide variety of marine life, such as colourful
anemones, soft corals, and kelp forest. It is a spectacular setting in which to see
crustacea, pelagic and demersal fish a-plenty, seal, dolphin, and the occasional whale or
basking shark, not to mention our superb wreck diving opportunities.
Scotland's dive centres and licensed skippers
are safe and reliable, and there are many recognised diver training organisations.
Add traditional friendly hospitality, blend a
little excitement with the peace and quiet, and visiting divers come back time and again -
for it gets better with every visit!
Scottish Sub Aqua Club
The Cockburn Centre, 40 Bogmoor Place, Glasgow G51 4TQ
Tel & Fax: 0141 425 1021 email: ab@hqssac.demon.co.uk
Windsurfing
Scotland is now one of Europe's established windsurfing destinations, offering
clean, unpolluted beaches, and most important - good wind and waves.
Whether you are an expert attending the Tiree
Wave Classic, or a beginner enjoying a course at one of the twenty or so schools and
centres around the country, Scotland offers a quality experience.
Scotland's superb venues around the coast are a
magnet to windsurfers of all levels of ability. Come to Prestwick, Troon, Machrihanish,
Tiree, Thurso, Gullane, Elie - and a host of sites currently being developed in the Outer
Hebrides. They all have their unique attractions in various weather conditions. Christine
Spreiter sums it up: For the more adventurous there are endless opportunities to discover
your own favourite spot. Scotland is a windy place, with plenty of coastline. If you are
coming to Scotland, bring your board - and have a blast!
RYA Scotland
Caledonia House, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ
Tel: 0131 317 7388 Fax: 0131 317 8566
Canoeing and
Kayaking
Sea passages, white water slalom, wilderness touring, or just a quiet paddle on a
tranquil loch - Scotland's coasts and rivers offer canoeists at every level of competence
the opportunity of adventure.
You can explore hundreds of coastal islands,
inland lochs, and thousands of miles of river, amongst unique and spectacular scenery.
White water river canoeing ranges from Grade 1
to Grade 6; from the peaceful to the severe. However, rapid changes in river grades during
spate conditions make it essential to be prepared and informed about the stretch of water
you are tackling.
To help you in your choice of location the
Scottish Canoe Association has compiled Information Sheets for sea paddling off the West
Coast, as well as a guide to navigable rivers.
Scotland may be the ideal place for the
independent minded adventure canoeist, but for the less experienced there are also a
number of watersports and activity centres offering courses.
Scottish Canoe Association
Caledonian House, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ
Tel: 0131 317 7314 Fax: 0131 317 7319 EMail: scaadmin@dircon.co.uk
Water Skiing
Scotland can boast excellent facilities for water ski enthusiasts at three
principal centres - the Scottish National Water Ski Centre at Dumfermline, the Loch Lomond
Water Ski Club, and Lochearnhead Watersports Centre. Almost every branch of the sport is
catered for, including slalom, jump, and barefoot skiing.
All these centres offer a full range of
instruction, including boat driving courses, and are also the principal venues for water
ski competitions in Scotland.
The Scottish Water Ski Association
c/o Scottish National Water Ski Centre, Town Loch, Townhill, Dunfermline KY12 0HT
Tel: 01383 620123 Fax: 01383 620122
Rafting
White Water Rafting is a rapidly growing holiday activity in Scotland, with a
number of companies offering packages.
Scottish Canoe Association
Caledonian House, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ
Tel: 0131 317 7314 Fax: 0131 317 7319 EMail: scaadmin@dircon.co.uk
Access to
Waterways
There is a general right of use in sea estuaries, and the tidal part of rivers, but
permissions may have to be sought for use of other river and loch waters, although in many
places use by unpowered craft for recreational purposes other than fishing is accepted.
Checking with your sports organisation, asking
permission locally, and being considerate to other water users is a good rule of thumb.
Other watersports and general sports enquiries
can be directed to:
Scottish Sports Council
Caledonian House, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ
Tel: 0131 317 7200 Fax: 0131 317 7202 |
