A fluffy gannet chick which was plucked to safety from the Firth of Forth is being cared for by the Scottish SPCA.
The four-week-old bird, named Boat, was separated from his parents and blown out to sea during stormy weather but was lucky enough to be rescued off the Bass Rock.
Boat will be looked after at the Scottish SPCA’a National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross until he is ready to be released back into the wild.
Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “Boat has been feeding well and is currently being cared for by the expert team in our seal and waterbird unit.
“We find that when there are high winds gannet chicks can get caught up and dumped in the sea and that’s when they get into trouble because they aren’t able to fend for themselves.”
Mr Seddon added: “We’ll care for little Boat for a few more months and, when he’s able to fly, we’ll release him back into the wild.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Northern gannets, the species found in the UK, are the country’s largest seabirds.
Each year, between February and October, they return to the Bass Rock off the coast of North Berwick to form the world’s largest colony of their kind.
Gannet numbers on the rock peak at more than 150,000 and the sheer number of birds turn the rock white.
