Chinook helicopter spotted flying low over Edinburgh's Western Harbour

This is the moment a military helicopter swooped low above the Firth of Forth this afternoon, in a surprising moment for local residents.

The chinook was spotted over the Western Harbour.

The twin-blade chinook helicopter was spotted over Edinburgh’s Western Harbour and the Newhaven area shortly after 4pm today.

It is thought to be another part of an exercise which has seen an increase in military aircraft in the area over the last few weeks.

Many people have reported hearing low-flying military aircraft in late February and early March, which is understood to be part of Exercise Chameleon.

The armed forces regularly run training exercises in the area, often taking off from Leuchars airbase in Fife.

Recently we told how two intelligence-gathering aircraft circling East Lothian, Fife, and the Firth of Forth throughout the night.

Exercise Chameleon began on February 23, and is set to continue until March 19.

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.