There are some rare and magical sites in Scotland we often come across whether it's on sea or land - and one Scot has shared incredible pictures and footage getting up close with a killer whale.
While working at Holm Pier in the village of St Mary's on the Mainland of Orkney on Tuesday morning, Graham Campbell shared the close-up video of the orca, describing it as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".
The Pier Master at the Orkney Marine Services, who was born and raised in Orkney, has seen killer whales many times, however he has never seen the animals this close up, reports the Daily Record.
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Orcas are frequently seen around Orkney, feeding in the rich seas which surround the islands, and can often be spotted from the land. However, in most cases, they are significantly further from the shore - and very few people get the chance to be up close with the majestic creatures.
In the jaw-dropping video, the whale swims right past the pier before emerging briefly from the water and expelling air from its blowhole before diving back into the blue.
Speaking to the Record, Graham said: "It was one of these special encounters that you just hope and pray, when they come right in close to you. I was actually looking down on top of them yesterday, I heard them calling to the others, squeaking and calling to the others.
"It was one of these moments you just wait for, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get them just right below you and get some footage of them. It was incredible."
He shared the spectacular footage on Facebook, where it has since received more than 1,400 likes and almost 300 comments. Fellow social media users were keen to share their thoughts on the "amazing" video.
One wrote: "Incredible! And so emotional I bet."
A second echoed: "That's amazing Graham. I can't believe they came right up to the jetty."
Meanwhile, a third posted: "Beautiful untouched nature. Peaceful beautiful" whilst a fourth commented: "Can't get much closer than that."
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