Harry the Hexopus

Diving out of Kinlochbervie last week, I had hoped to get to exciting, remote sites like Handa Island and Cape Wrath but the weather confined us to the shelter of Loch Inchard. My disappointment turned to gladness with two magical and unexpected dives in the company of Curled Octopus – Eledone cirrhosa.

Usually these animals are wary and jet off at high speed, not to be seen again. But these two animals stayed 20 minutes each, giving me a glimpse into their world. The first octopus was the most interesting and mobile. He had been through the wars as he’d lost two legs. I named him Harry the Hexopus (cousin of Disney’s Hank the Septopus – the seven-legged star of Finding Dory). Harry treated me to an eight-minute tour of his garden.

I don’t usually leave long clips uncut, but I played this back in the bunkhouse and everyone was glued to the screen. I hope it’s interesting for others too.

With thanks to Mike Bramham and the Highland Divers team for a great dive trip on Andy Holbrow’s boat, The Lady Nicola.