Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Katie Williams

East Lothian locals warned to stay away as huge dead whale washes up on shore

A dead whale has sadly washed up on the shores of East Lothian.

The local authority has warned people to keep a 'suitable distance' from the minke whale and to keep dogs away from it.

Staff at the Scottish Seabird Centre raised the alarm after they spotted the mammal floating in the water at high tide on Wednesday, before it came ashore near the harbour.

READ NEXT- Landlords in Edinburgh 'bullying' tenants into rent hikes above price cap or face eviction

Council officials have now confirmed the whale is at North Berwick's West Beach while they wait for it to be removed.

Taking to Twitter on Thursday April 20, East Lothian Council wrote: "Unfortunately a dead minke whale has washed up at North Berwick. We are currently arranging for its removal but the public are advised to keep a suitable distance from the whale and not to allow dogs to go near the carcass."

They later added: "The minke whale washed up on West Beach, North Berwick will remain on site overnight and removed tomorrow (Friday). The area is currently cordoned off and people are reminded to keep themselves and dogs away from this location as decomposing whales pose a significant health hazard."

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We were first aware of a dead whale sighted off North Berwick yesterday afternoon and following the tide pattern overnight it has now washed up onto the West Beach.

"The council is currently arranging suitable equipment to uplift and take away the carcass. We are also advising members of the public to keep a suitable distance away from the whale including keeping dogs on leads and not allowed near the whale.”

READ NEXT-

Edinburgh weather to turn as freezing temperatures and heavy rain on its way

Midlothian teen victim of jail dodge rapist Sean Hogg speaks out after brute appeals conviction

Edinburgh easyJet 'sorry' as stranded passengers told to stay in one star hotel

Jimmy Savile's Scottish house of horrors stripped bare by 'trophy hunters' as demolition stalled

Former Edinburgh high school swimming pool set for bulldozer over 'safety fears'

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.