Move over , Nessie : Scottish ocean creatures are having a second . Hoping to attract tourists and raise awareness of the neighborhood ’s precious natural resource , the Scottish Wildlife Council has created the commonwealth ’s first snorkel diving track , which officially open on July 9 .
Snorkeling ? In Scotland ? Admittedly , the chilly water off the Northwest Highlands are wetsuit , not bikini , territory , but those water boast an impressive wealth of nautical life to observe . Snorkelers confabulate the trail ’s nine stops can recognize coral , cuttlefish , jellies , sea anemone , sea ace , mahimahi , and even harmless basking shark [ PDF ] .
polish , Tourism , and External Affairs cabinet secretary Fiona Hyslop believe the trail is a brilliant way to benefit visitors , residents , and the neighborhood ’s wildlife .
“ Scotland ’s seacoast boasts some of the UK ’s deep spots for marine wildlife , ” shesaidin a press statement , “ which is why nearly one-half of the visitors surveyed descend to Scotland for our scenery and landscape painting . ”
Noel Hawkins is the trust ’s Living Seas Officer . “ The coast of Wester Ross and Sutherland feature some wonderful shelter promontory and beach that are not bad position for snorkel diving , ” he said . For now , the trail is a self - led experience , but in clock time the faith hopes to go under up a snorkel golf-club for kids and a training plan so that residents can become teacher .
“ Scotland need salubrious living sea that can adapt to climate change , ” Hawkins said . “ The snorkel trail will boost more people to explore the thin home ground below the waves and the marine life they support , whilst also helping to raise awareness of the motive to protect them . ”
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