RARE sightings of humpback whales in the Firth of Clyde have captivated wildlife enthusiasts after the enormous marine mammals were spotted off the Isle of Cumbrae and Arran within days of each other.
The first sighting was recorded off the Isle of Cumbrae on Friday, September 4, when David Findlay captured photographs of a humpback whale in local waters.
Describing the encounter, David said watching the giant animal was “strangely emotional”.
The excitement continued when another humpback was seen from the trig point above Sannox on Arran.
Humpback whale sightings are considered extremely rare in the Firth of Clyde, making the recent reports particularly noteworthy for local residents and marine wildlife enthusiasts.
The species is among the largest animals on Earth, with adults capable of growing to around 16 metres in length and weighing up to 38 tonnes.
Known for their spectacular breaching displays, humpbacks are more commonly found in the North Atlantic and other deep ocean waters.
The latest appearances also follow another humpback sighting reported near Lochranza on Arran around four weeks ago, suggesting the waters off Ayrshire’s coast may be attracting increasing visits from the majestic creatures.
The recent reports have also revived memories of one of the most memorable whale encounters in local history.
Ten years ago, crowds gathered along the Largs shoreline after a humpback whale appeared close to the coast and remained in the area for around an hour.
The whale delighted spectators of all ages as it surfaced repeatedly within sight of the town before eventually moving on.
The Clyde Mammal Sightings website later nicknamed the visitor 'Hamish the Humpback', and the sighting remains one of the most celebrated wildlife events seen in the Clyde in recent years.
Whether the latest visitors remain in local waters remains to be seen, but their appearance has once again highlighted the rich marine wildlife that can occasionally be spotted off the Ayrshire coast.
