Huge deceased whale spotted floating off Edinburgh coastline near iconic bridges

whale
-Credit: (Image: Daily Record)


A huge 15-metre deceased whale has appeared off the Edinburgh coastline, with experts waiting to investigate further.

It is understood the giant mammal, thought to be a humpback, first appeared near South Queensferry on the Firth of Forth before floating towards Newhaven, the Daily Record reports.

The sad discovery has been noted by the Scottish Marine Stranding Scheme as experts are waiting for the whale to wash up on the shore to investigate further.

READ MORE: Edinburgh resident slams 'dangerous' fires as blaze left burning at notorious spot

READ MORE: Edinburgh bus stop wrecked as police rush to collision on busy street

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.

Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

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.

Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.