Scotland might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think about freediving, but its dramatic coastlines, deep sea lochs, and diverse marine life offer incredible opportunities for those willing to embrace colder waters. We spoke to Scottish freediver Laura McGuire of Mara Adventures, who is helping shape and grow the country’s emerging freediving community.
A passionate instructor, explorer, and ocean advocate, Laura has been working to make freediving more accessible in Scotland while showcasing the beauty and potential of its often-overlooked waters with her retreats. From training for depth in remote lochs to teaching new divers, she is playing a key role in building an inclusive and thriving scene.
Laura tells us what it’s really like to freedive in Scotland, especially as a woman in the industry.
Diving the Cold Waters of Scotland, According to Laura McGuire
For Laura McGuire, the appeal of Scotland is its unlimited supply of depth. While it may be dark and cold, the deep waters make it the perfect stomping ground for freediving, an environment she actually really enjoys. She notes that the cold becomes manageable once she gets used to the excessive amounts of neoprene required (including a 7mm suit, hood, gloves, and socks) and the heavy lead needed to compensate for the buoyancy.
Laura and her friend Hannah Wright, the only other female freediving instructor in Scotland, frequently do their depth training in various Scottish lochs. With some reaching depths of up to 200m (656ft), the lochs provide a perfect training environment. Laura does dive shallower in Scotland than she does in the tropics; because the water is too cold for just a nose clip, she has to wear a mask, which makes equalization a bit more challenging. Despite this, she is still diving to impressive depths of 40m (131ft) in the lochs.
She also teaches in a disused quarry, which she considers an ideal dive spot. The visibility is a striking blue in the top 20m (66ft) before becoming progressively murkier as the thermoclines begin. Laura finds that she always leaves the Scottish waters with a profound sense of calm and clarity, even more so than in warmer tropical waters, experiencing an invigoration that lasts for hours. Beyond freediving, she spends her time snorkeling in the kelp forests and foraging for shellfish, primarily scallops. Ultimately, Laura believes there is an entire undiscovered world of biodiversity in Scotland just waiting to be explored.
Laura McGuire’s Scotland Dive Prep
When diving around Scotland, Laura believes that having a robust emergency action plan is key, especially since sea lochs can be extremely tidal and easily catch divers off guard. Because wrestling in and out of a 7mm wetsuit is always a bit of a “palava,” she considers a dry changing robe an absolutely vital piece of kit to help her warm up. Her tried-and-true post-dive routine often involves pouring a flask of hot water directly into her wetsuit for an immediate burst of heat, followed by a hot water bottle on her body for the drive home and a well-earned sugary snack.
Laura McGuire on the Scottish Freediving Community
When Laura first moved back to Scotland in 2022 after living overseas for eight years, she found the small local freediving community to be quite exclusive and closed off. At the time, there was no working instructor based in Scotland, and the club sessions at the pool were strictly invite-only. Over the last three years, she has dedicated herself to changing this dynamic.
Today, Laura teaches an average of 50 new Scottish freedivers every year, matching the efforts of her colleague Hannah Wright at Selkie Freediving. Thanks to their work, numerous satellite training groups have emerged across the country. Looking ahead, Laura’s goal is to run a pool freediving competition as a way to unite all the different clubs and groups nationwide. Her ultimate dream is the creation of an independent Scottish AIDA, which would allow local athletes to compete for and achieve their own national records.
Laura McGuire as a Woman Paving the Way for Freediving in Scotland
Navigating the diving industry as a woman, Laura has found that she constantly has to prove herself above and beyond. While she notes that the freediving world feels more progressive than the scuba industry, her early days teaching in Scotland came with challenges. She experienced animosity from a much older, Manchester-based male instructor who had been teaching courses in Scotland for years and felt highly territorial.
Additionally, Laura actively avoids the predominantly male Scottish spearfishing community, noting that their group chats are often driven by ego and promote unsafe practices. Despite these hurdles, she remains deeply optimistic about the future. Laura firmly believes that the sport is growing exponentially and that there are plenty of students to go around. For her, the focus should be on mutual support among instructors to cultivate a passionate and inclusive community.
Laura McGuire’s Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Laura has a profound love for the growing Scottish freediving community. She believes it is something truly worth celebrating; with its vast coastlines and rugged scenery, Scotland might seem like an unlikely destination for freediving. Yet, for Laura, the magic is undeniable. On perfect bluebird days — with golden eagles soaring overhead, mountains framing the horizon, and crisp, clear, cold water waiting below — there is simply nowhere else in the world she would rather dive.
Rewild & Free Expedition
Mara Adventures hosts retreats for those eager to experience Scottish freediving in all its glory. If you’re free this September and fancy a trip of a lifetime, check out their Rewild & Free trip; Described as “a celebration of the Scottish ocean”, a mix of freediving, snorkeling, and wild swimming. You will sail from Pontoon Marina in Oban and embark upon an unforgettable ocean adventure along the wild and beautiful West Coast of Scotland. Aboard the tall ship Lady of Avenel, you’ll spend six nights living at sea, exploring remote anchorages and dramatic coastal landscapes that can only be reached by boat. With an experienced skipper and crew guiding the journey, guests can take part in sailing the vessel or simply relax and soak up life on the water.
This expedition blends adventure, connection, and ocean exploration. Expect daily yoga and breathwork sessions, freediving or snorkelling in Scotland’s clear, biodiverse waters, and the chance to swim, paddleboard, hike, or even try mermaiding. Both experienced freedivers and beginners are welcome, with the option to complete a Level 1 freediving course on board.
