Whale Stranding in Scotland

Marine animal experts are trying to prevent a mass stranding by up to 100 pilot whales in South Uist in the Western Isles. Wildlife tour operator Steve Duffield has captured a series of images of the mammals

The whales were spotted in Loch Carnan on Thursday afternoon and some were said to have had cuts to their heads. It is thought the injuries may have been caused by attempts to strand themselves on the rocky foreshore of the sea loch. The Scottish SSPCA has said the whales' strong social bond meant healthy animals would follow sick and dying animals into shallow water.The Scottish SPCA and British Divers Marine Life Rescue have been monitoring the pod and have sent staff to the scene. Whale stranding was long a mystery to scientists. Now we know that the whales, very  intelligent mammals, are so socially and emotionally bonded, they will sacrifice themselves rather than abandon sick or dying pod members.