A cygnet that was ostracised by its family was found wandering the streets of Arbroath.
The young swan held up traffic in the west end from around 9am on Thursday as it shuffled through the narrow streets near the infirmary, having been chased away from its home at Keptie Pond.
Locals spotted the forlorn-looking bird making its way towards the town centre and a police escort was called in. After the bird had slowly paraded along Princes Street, it was ushered back towards Keptie Pond by two officers.
The Scottish SPCA was called to the scene and the swan was taken to Broughty Ferry to be released near Broughty Castle.
Vicki Croall, who lives in Addison Place, said the swan had been chased away several times since the start of the month.
Her mother, Anne Cruickshanks, added: ”I am told the males often get chased off when the father is gone.
”Every time the poor thing comes back it is chased away again. I feel really sorry for it.”
A swan was found dead at Keptie Pond earlier this year and it is understood it may have been the alpha male from that family.
It appears the youngster has been kicked out of the group, which includes five other siblings still under their mother’s wing.
Swans mate for life and if a partner is lost then the surviving mate will go through a grieving process.
Photo Jim Ratliffe