A racing pigeon which crash-landed on an oil rig has been airlifted to the mainland and handed into the care of wildlife rescue vets.
The pigeon, nicknamed Pedro by workers, landed on the rig 160 miles out into the North Sea on June 1 and appeared thin and tired.
Oil worker Kevin Mitchell contacted his girlfriend, Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Kirsty McQuade, for care advice and Pedro was transported out on the next scheduled flight.
He was taken to the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Alloa.
Ms McQuade said: "It was actually my boyfriend Kevin Mitchell who found Pedro.
"He crash-landed on deck and Kevin managed to catch him and take him inside.
"Pedro appeared to be exhausted and extremely thin so Kevin contacted me for advice. I advised him on what to feed Pedro and he was kept safe in a box on board.
"It was fantastic that Pedro was able to ride in the helicopter with the crew who were coming back to the mainland and we would like to thank everyone for their assistance.
"Pedro is now in the care of our wildlife rescue centre where he is making a good recovery."
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