'Unwell' sperm whale spotted in Kirkwall Bay

A 50ft whale is being monitored by vets because of fears it could beach itself

A 50ft sperm whale, which may be ill or injured, has found its way into Kirkwall Bay in Orkney.

The young male was spotted at about 08:00 swimming slowly only yards off Kirkwall pier.
Local Scottish SPCA inspector Mike Lynch said it was not normal for a whale of such size to be in such shallow water.
The whale appeared to be in a poor condition. The local authority's marine services division has been informed.
A warning has been issued to vessels working in the area.