Minke whale washed ashore

A 14ft Minke whale was washed up on the shore at Vatisker Beach, Isle of Lewis yesterday, drawing quite a number of onlookers.

There was no obvious signs as to a cause of death, and none normally associated with a boat propellor injury.

A whale carcass can be a big headache, in terms of its subsequent disposal off the beach. The Western Isles Council has the overall and lead responsibility of dealing with the carcass.

They will now be required to determine whether the mammal would be likely to cause any environmental issues, or a risk to public safety.

It if is then they may have to lift it with a JCB or crane and remove it to the landfill site in Stornoway.