A Leith woman says she was left "traumatised" after what appears to be a taxidermied fox was left dumped in a communal bin over the weekend.
Sophie Shelley was shocked when she saw an animal's head peering out the bin - which is intended to be used for "household waste only" - on Smith's Place, just off Leith Walk, on Saturday morning (29 March).
Sophie shared a photo of the disturbing sight to local Facebook page I Love Leith, initially believing that the animal may have recently been killed and had been heartlessly discarded.
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She said: "Went to put my coffee cup in the bin this morning and was greeted by this wee guy, per wee soul.
"Don't know if someone's been knocked him over and put him in the bin, or if he's died in the bin but I am absolutely traumaustied."
Scores of concerned locals reacted with disgust to the post but others suggested that this may be a case of taxidermy.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Sophie added that since taking the photo she too has been convinced that it was a taxidermied animal.
The mystery around this unusual discovery continues as it remains unclear how the animal got there.
An Edinburgh Council spokesperson confirmed to Edinburgh Live that the bin was emptied on Sunday but say they have no further information at this time.
The Scottish SPCA also confirmed that they are not investigating the incident.
