The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) has today announced that they have identified nine sites suitable for snorkelling.
The SWT – which receives funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation – has also confirmed that Scotland's first snorkel trail has been created in the north west Highlands. The idea is that the snorkel trail is self-led.
Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop stated “The snorkel trail is an innovative approach to marine and coastal planning that encourages use of existing infrastructure to help tourism diversification like this."
"Lots of people might think it's too cold to snorkel in Scotland but the colours and life under the surface in places like the north west coast are up there with the coral reefs you can find abroad." Lizzie Bird, BSAC
Scotland boasts some of the UK's richest spots for marine wildlife. The coast line features me fantastic sheltered headlands and beaches that are great places for snorkelling. All of the proposed sites benefit from a plethora of marine life including dogfish, barrel jellyfish and sea urchins.
It is believed that the snorkel trail locations will include Tanera Mor in the Summer Isles, Camusnagaul and Achmelvich Bay.
This trail project is part of the SWT's 'Living Seas Programme'. Noel Hawkins, Living Seas communities officer, stated "we are hoping to establish a training programme for local people to become qualified snorkel instructors. There is also a snorkel club at the local leisure centre to introduce younger members of the community to snorkelling and their local marine environment."