Two new snorkel trails have been launched in Orkney and the Small Isles, giving locals and visitors an opportunity to discover the islands’ unique marine wildlife.
Developed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust alongside local partners, the new trails join an existing network that now includes 13 trails, around 80 snorkel sites, covering the length and breadth of Scotland. The launches in Orkney and the Small Isles mark the completion of the Trust’s snorkel trail network, which began development in 2016.
Elouise Dalziel, Living Seas Policy and Engagement Officer with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to launch the new trails in Orkney and the Small Isles, two of Scotland’s most incredible marine destinations. As our two island-hopping trails, they explore a huge range of underwater landscapes.
“Snorkellers will have the opportunity to see everything from starfish and sea urchins to massive kelp forests and otters. One of my favourites to spot are sea slugs, which have such vibrant colours and intricate patterns!
“And don’t worry if you’ve never snorkelled before. Many of the trails are perfect for beginners, and we encourage you to book a guided snorkel tour with our friends at the Isle of Eigg Guiding Company for the Small Isles, and Kraken Diving in Orkney”
All trails include both beginner and advanced snorkel areas and are supported by local communities and businesses.
The Orkney trail, developed in partnership with Stromness Museum, stretches across several islands, including Stronsay, Shapinsay, Hoy and Mainland Orkney. As well as being home to a host of marine species, Orkney is famous for the crucial role the islands played in the Second World War. As such, the trail explores the famous Churchill Barriers and sunken shipwrecks around Scapa Flow, which now provide artificial reefs for wildlife.
Among the supporters of the Orkney snorkel trail are Cath Downie and Pete Raines. The couple were married in September 2023 and raised over £2,000 in donations to celebrate their wedding. This money has directly supported the development of the new trail.
A community celebration event in Finstown marked the official launch of the Orkney trail, which included film screenings, marine stalls, family-friendly ocean activities, guided snorkelling and training sessions on how to identify marine wildlife.
Katy Firth from Stromness Museum said “Even if you’ve swum or snorkelled here many times before, or are yet to step foot in Orkney’s waters, you’ll learn lots and be surprised at the variety of incredible marine life our waters have to offer.
“The new snorkel trail will support responsible eco-tourism across Orkney and inspire people, local and visiting, to connect with, value and protect the wildlife in our seas.”
In the Small Isles, the new trail was developed by the Trust and the Small Isles Community Council. With input from locals from across the islands, it explores the waters surrounding Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum.
Despite their proximity to each other, the islands each have their own unique geography, giving snorkellers the opportunity to explore kelp forests, sandy coves, and rugged sea stacks.
The official launch event for the Small Isles trail was cancelled due to Storm Lilian. However once the weather subsided, locals enjoyed a sunny snorkel to mark the official opening of the trail.
Fliss Fraser from the Small Isles Community Council said: “The four islands that make up our archipelago are all distinct in character, but they are connected by nature and our profound connection to the sea.”
“The spots included in the snorkel trail are sure to wow. At Muck’s Gallanach Bay, a snorkel around the Isle of Coralag is a must to reveal kelp forests teeming with life. Visit Galmisdale Bay in Eigg to enjoy a wild snorkel with all the nearby comforts of the pier centre An Laimhrig. Rum offers sandy, sheltered beaches overlooking clear blue water enjoyed by otters and seals too. Come to Canna and snorkel between the iconic Coroghan Stack and the Isle of Alman to discover a bright pink cove full of marine life!
Elouise added: “Snorkelling is a low-impact, environmentally-friendly way to connect with the underwater environment. Much of Scotland’s onshore wildlife is rightly celebrated, but these trails will help shine a spotlight on the equally incredible species and habitats found in our seas.
“We hope the trails will also help people understand the importance of the sea to the cultural identity of communities across Scotland, and that they will strengthen people’s relationships with our precious marine wildlife.
“A huge thanks to all our partners and supporters who have made this work possible.”
Further trails can be found in Arran, Berwickshire, East Lothian, Lochaber, Moray Firth, North Argyll, North Harris, North West Highlands, South Ayrshire, South Fife and Torridon.
Leaflets for the trails, including route guides, safety information and checklists of some of the marine life snorkellers might see can be downloaded from the Scottish Wildlife Trust website. Users of the trails can share feedback with the Trust by contacting livingseas@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.