Pictures show humpback whale spotted swimming in Firth of Forth

Stunning images of a whale’s tail flipping above the ocean’s surface have emerged after a humpback was spotted in the Firth of Forth.
The mammal was spotted in the Firth of Forth on Saturday and Sunday picture: Greg MacveanThe mammal was spotted in the Firth of Forth on Saturday and Sunday picture: Greg Macvean
The mammal was spotted in the Firth of Forth on Saturday and Sunday picture: Greg Macvean

The photos were taken by local photographer Greg Macvean who was travelling by boat in the estuary on Sunday afternoon.

According to local whale watcher Lyndsay McNeill, several humpbacks arrived the the Fife and Lothian areas on Saturday morning.

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She said: “As soon as I saw that barnacle on the dorsal I knew.

Another picture taken by local photographer Greg Macvean while he was out on a boat in the estuary picture: Greg MacveanAnother picture taken by local photographer Greg Macvean while he was out on a boat in the estuary picture: Greg Macvean
Another picture taken by local photographer Greg Macvean while he was out on a boat in the estuary picture: Greg Macvean

"Two were spotted on Saturday and one on Sunday.

"They have been here between January and March since 2017 and will stop off en route to breeding grounds or will just stay around and fish here.

The keen whale watcher said the length of time the whales spend in the area depends on the age of the mammal.

"Juvenile whales will stay around for longer or if they aren’t breeding that year they won’t make the migration south.”

Several local photographers and wildlife fans have been sharing pictures on social media of the recent sighting including one local photographer who said he spotted the humpback breach four times from Pettycur Bay.

The National Whale and Dolphin Watch in 2020 saw Scotland report more cetacean sightings than any other country in the UK.

The results of the popular annual survey revealed 323 sightings of whales and dolphins across the country and was closely followed by 284 in England and 88 in Wales.

Organised by the marine conservation charity Sea Watch Foundation, the survey took place between 25 July and 2 August and involved hundreds of volunteers.

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Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit has been contacted for comment.

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