A whale has tragically died after it washed up on the shore near Musselburgh this afternoon.
The Sowerby's beaked whale was discovered near the Brunstane Burn on Tuesday as it struggled to head back towards the water.
After locals in the area raised the alarm, a team of volunteers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the SSPCA headed to the beach to try and help move the terrified animal.
However, after hours of desperately trying to keep the whale alive, it sadly passed away.
Initial images taken by a local resident show the whale to have been stranded on the sand, with what appears to be grazes on its underbelly.
Volunteers and crews were also pictured trying to save the whale, who are common to the waters around the UK and the North Atlantic Ocean.
Speaking about the possible cause of death, Scottish SPCA senior animal rescue officer, Melissa Maitland, said" “We were alerted to the distressed Sowerby's beaked whale at around 12.30pm on Tuesday 13 October.
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the whale sadly passed away.
“There are lots of reasons whales and other marine mammals sometimes beach themselves such as changing tide or losing their way. The body will be taken for post-mortem by the National Museum of Scotland to try to ascertain why this happened.
“If anyone comes across a sick, injured or distressed animal they should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
