Wildlife enthusiasts on the Scottish coasts are being treated to more than the regular seal and otter sightings this year, with humpback whales making more appearances than usual.
Marine conservation charity the Sea Watch Foundation (SWF) claims its researchers have been inundated with reports, photographs and videos of the mammal - including images from off the coast at Aberdeen and the Sound of Raasay, between Rona and Skye.
The foundation, which monitors whales, dolphins and porpoises across UK waters, said sighting have also been reported across the rest of the UK, including in Liverpool Bay and off the Cornish and Norfolk coasts.
Kathy James, sightings officer for the charity, said: "This recent spate of sightings also highlights the importance of citizen science and voluntary observers to charities such as ours. It shows that you don't have to be an expert to get involved and make a difference; you just need to take a moment to report your sighting!"
She encouraged members of the public to get involved and report any sightings, especially during National Whale and Dolphin Watch, which take place next month, from July 25 to August 2.
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