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.
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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.”
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