Young Arctic walrus "Freya" spotted in Shetland

The walrus has been photographed in Shetland

An Arctic Circle walrus has turned up about 400 miles (644km) from home in Shetland.

The distinctive and well-travelled young female has already been recorded off Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Northumberland.

Named Freya, the walrus has been spotted at the isle of Vementry and is generating a lot of interest.

Local wildlife photographer Hugh Harrop described it as a "really exciting" thing to happen.

The walrus has been spotted having a rest on the side of a salmon farm cage by the uninhabited island.

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"It's a young female and she's got just a little pink spot on her nose and that makes her distinctive", Mr Harrop told BBC Scotland.

A salmon farm cage has proved popular

"There she was, just completely unconcerned by any of the onlookers. I think it would be very hard to disturb a walrus to be honest with you - they've got size and girth on their side.

"Clearly it's finding food - lobsters, scallops, crabs.

"This is Christmas come early for me, Shetland always throws some amazing wildlife spectacles at you. Bingo, miracles do happen."

He added: "It's come a long way but hopefully she'll hang around for folk to see - could well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Wherever she turns up next she'll be gratefully received by a very receptive audience. What a wonderful experience to see her."