A huge 15-metre whale which has sadly died has appeared off a Scots coastline.
The giant mammal thought to be a humpback first appeared near South Queensferry in front of the Forth Rail Bridge but as the tides move has floated towards Newhaven according to local reports.
Whale experts, at the Scottish Marine Stranding Scheme have confirmed they are aware of the deceased creature which they believe is a humpback and are waiting for the corpse to wash up to investigate further.
This is one of many of the sea animals to wash up on Scottish shores this year including the mass stranding of 77 pilot whales on a beach in Orkney in what is thought to be the biggest mass stranding for decades.
Only 12 of the creatures were still alive when rescuers arrived but sadly they couldn’t be saved. Tragically the mammals were reportedly healthy before the stranding.
Sad images show the large carcass floating in the water with seagulls perched on top appearing to peck the animal while the Forth Bridges can be seen in the background.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme said: “From the photos, it looks to be a humpback whale but we are waiting to see if it makes landfall before we can investigate further.”
The SSPCA and British Divers Marine Life Rescue have also been approached for comment.
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