THOUSANDS of people in Scotland and the rest of the British Isles are being urged to take part in the largest every survey of whales and dolphins around the coastline.

Sightings have already begun pouring in from areas as far apart as Shetland to Channel Islands and Scilly, with more than 100 sent in.

Organisers of the National Whale and Dolphin Watch say this is evidence of the wealth and diversity of species occurring in British waters.

The UK conservation research charity, Sea Watch Foundation, said they include three killer whales seen off Fraserburgh on Saturday.

Three others have been visible off Hoxa Head, Orkney over the past two days and there has been an unconfirmed report from Cardigan Bay, West Wales.

Twenty bottlenose dolphins, thought to be part of the Moray Firth population, were seen off North Berwick on Saturday and others of this species have been putting in an appearance all around the UK throughout the event so far.

Minke whales have been spotted in several places in the Hebrides as well as off north-east Scotland and in the Orkneys.

The Isle of Man and Cornwall have had sightings of Risso’s dolphins and harbour porpoise have popped up in a great many locations all around the UK.

Kathy James, Sightings Officer for the foundation, said: “A mystery large whale was spotted off Robin Hood’s Bay on the Yorkshire coast, so it would be great to have people watching out to see if we can identify the animal to species level.

"The National Whale and Dolphin Watch really is an exciting time of year for us. Last year, we saw eleven different species around the UK during the event from 1,150 sightings reports, and this year we anticipate even that incredible number being exceeded. It’s great when people realise the wealth of these magnificent animals right on their doorstep, and I love hearing about everyone’s whale and dolphin experiences” continues Kathy.

“Last month, we had a spate of humpback whale sightings around Britain, from the Hebrides and North-east Scotland down to South Devon and the southern North Sea.”

Would-be whale and dolphin watchers can get involved by heading to the coast and conducting watches of their own. They can also join in with organised activities on land or at sea which are shown on the Sea Watch website www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk