Now that's pot luck

IT's a monster from the depths that has been king of the sea-bed for up to 30 years.

• SNAP IT UP: Anderson's worker David Shand shows off 'Larry' while owner Gaven Borthwick displays a normal Forth lobster Picture: GREG MACVEAN

Now a giant lobster hauled from the icy waters of the Forth is to be auctioned off to help raise money for the Sick Kids.

The 3ft-long, 4-kilo lobster - nicknamed Larry - was proving a star attraction in Stockbridge yesterday after being put on display in Armstrong's of Edinburgh fishmonger.

Owner Gaven Borthwick was asking for donations from people to have their picture taken with the catch of the decade, with all money going to the Sick Kid's Hospital.

Today he will sell the lobster to the highest bidder to raise even more money, with offers welcome until 5pm.

Larry was caught by brothers Robbie and David Brand. The Newhaven fishermen said it was the biggest lobster they had landed in more than 40 years fishing the Forth.

The colossal crustacean was lifted up in a pot which had been laid between Inchkeith and the Forth Bridge. While not as large as some of the monster lobsters caught in the warmer waters of the Atlantic, it is, for the cold Forth, a remarkable find. The average weight of a Forth lobster is between 500g and 1 kilo.

David Brand said: "We were stunned when we pulled it up, because it's so big it's hard to work out how it got in the pot.

"We've heard of fisherman on the West Coast getting lobsters that are about 13lbs, but this is the biggest we've ever caught. It's probably about 30 years old, and we decided not to put it back because it has a damaged claw, which while it would heal up, would make it difficult for the lobster to survive in the wild."

The pair passed on the lobster to local fishmonger Mr Borthwick, who immediately decided to auction it off for the Sick Kid's Hospital.

His daughter Leah, five, had to be rushed to hospital last week after suffering a viral infection, and thanks to the care of staff there she made a full recovery.

"They were amazing, and I wanted to do something to help, so when this very special catch arrived it seemed a perfect opportunity," he said.

"We had the lobster in the window and people were wanting their picture taken with it, so we asked for donations and raised more than 40 in a few hours. I'm hoping chefs or even local enthusiasts will look to snap it up for a very special dinner."

Anyone interested in bidding should call 0131-315 2033.