The body of a humpback whale has washed up on an East Lothian beach.
The carcass, measuring around nine metres (30ft), was discovered on the shore at John Muir Country Park, Dunbar, this morning.
It is thought to be the same animal that was spotted in the Forth earlier this month caught up in fishing gear.
Specialist teams from British Divers Marine Life Rescue were unable to get close enough to the 35-tonne mammal to set it free at the time.
People in the area have been urged to avoid the shore for health and safety reasons, no matter how curious they are to have a look.
A spokesperson for East Lothian Council tweeted: “Arrangements are being made to remove the whale and people are being advised to keep their distance from the site.”
The area’s Countryside Rangers added: “Whilst we appreciate people are interested to see it we do ask that you stay back from the carcass for health and safety reasons. We are aiming to remove it from the beach later this evening.”
In May 2018, a 30ft minke whale was discovered at nearby Belhaven beach and a Sowerby’s beaked whale was also stranded alive on the same shore that summer, but sadly later died.
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