Large whale discovered washed up on Fife beach

The whale was found near the village of Culross

A large whale has died after being found stranded on a beach in Fife.

The mammal, believed to be a fin whale, was found in shallow water on Culross beach by a walker on Wednesday afternoon.

The whale is likely to have been washed up as a result of the recent storms that lashed the country.

Fin whales are the second-largest type of whale after the blue whale.

The species is known for having a distinct ridge along its back behind the dorsal fin, which gives it the nickname "razorback.”

Wildlife charity Fife Coast and Countryside Trust advised the public to stay away from the scene.

Robbie Blyth, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust’s head of operations, said: “Due to the whale’s large size and location, a final decision will not be made until next week on what action will be taken to dispose of the whale.

"Strategies for disposal include burying the body, transporting it to a landfill or incinerator or towing it out to sea.”

A number of whales have been spotted in Scotland recently, including a rarely seen white whale spotted off the coast of Shetland earlier in January.

In the summer of 2023 a pod of whales were found stranded on a beach on the Isle of Lewis, with all 55 dying as a result.