21-05-2025
Rare whale spotted on Scottish west coast 'for first time in 20 years'
A beluga whale, known for their all-white colouring and high intelligence, was spotted in the waters of Loch Broom.
The sea loch is on the north west coast of Scotland. Ullapool sits on its shore.
Belugas are a very rare sight in Scotland. In January 2024, a sighting off West Ayre in Shetland was reported as only the sixth time the whale had ever been seen in Scottish waters.
Normally, the white whales live in much colder waters, such as the Arctic, north Canada, or Alaska.
Noel Hawkins, a consultant for the Ullapool Sea Savers, told the John O'Groats Journal: 'A few days ago, we passed what I thought was a strange cetacean as it looked light coloured.
'My partner Janis looked back and saw it spyhop and thought it was a porpoise, which seemed strange as I'd never seen one do that.'
When a whale 'spyhops', it positions itself parallel to the water level, with its head raised and tail down, in order to look around. The position is likened to a human treading water.
Hawkins told the John O'Groats Journal that the sighting had been confirmed by two other videos, adding: 'It definitely is a beluga — it's even been verified by Hugh Harrop of Shetland Wildlife.'
'It's very strange as it shouldn't be here and we're worried it might be in trouble. Please keep an eye out – but if it is seen, please give it distance and peace, do not get close to it or chase it.'
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A Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust spokesperson said it was the first sighting of a beluga off the west coast in 20 years.
According to the Sea Watch Foundation, a lone beluga was spotted off Applecross for consecutive days in April 1995.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said: 'We are aware of the sighting of the beluga whale in Loch Broom.
'We are monitoring the situation but until we get better photo ID we cannot say if it is the same one that turned up in Shetland last year.
'We would also appeal to people to stay away from the area as it could cause the animal unnecessary disturbance as well as congestion in the area.'
