Famous orca spotted in Moray Firth leaves whale watchers '˜jumping for joy'

A famous orca has been spotted making a rare appearance in Scottish waters better known for dolphin watching.

John Coe, a famous orca that he spotted making a rare appearance at Chanonry Point in the Moray Firth. Picture: Phil Clark/PA Wire

John Coe, part of a pod called the West Coast Community, was seen at Chanonry Point in the Moray Firth on Monday.

After dolphin watcher Francis McWilliams first sighted the creature, others followed suit to catch a glimpse of the bull who is identifiable by missing chunks in his dorsal fin and tail.

Phil Clark, 39, and his wife Lynette were among those who rushed to the area.

The amateur photographer told the Press Association: “My wife is daft on sealife and as soon as we got word that there was an orca in the Moray Firth we left our house in Inverness immediately.

“We were getting a few updates on our way from a few other watchers and couldn’t believe our luck when we arrived and spotted him almost immediately, John Coe!

“Lynette has went on and on about trying to go see this pod, especially John Coe.

“To then have him turn up in our area, she and the other watchers did have a scream and jump for joy.”

Although Chanonry Point is a well-known location for spotting dolphins, it is rare for any orca to be seen there.

John Coe is more often spotted off the west coast of Scotland and occasionally close to Ireland.

Scientists believe the missing chunk in his tail could be the result of a shark attack.

It was also reported another orca was seen alongside John Coe at the point - but has not been photographed or identified conclusively.