A gannet which had to be rescued as a young chick near Bass Rock on the Firth of Forth has been released back into the wild.
The Scottish SPCA recently released Boat, a 12-week-old gannet, after caring for him for three months.
It was thought he was separated from his parents during a storm with high winds and was in urgent need of help when he was found.
National Wildlife Rescue Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “Thanks to our team here at the wildlife centre, Boat has grown into a magnificent juvenile gannet, now capable of taking care of himself.
“At first, we assist-fed him on mackerel, then he began hand feeding, and after that he just took more or less as much food as he wanted.
“Now that he’s fully waterproofed and has reached his fledgling weight and age, he’s ready to be back in the wild. We released him at Aberdour not far from where he was born.”
How Boat looked when he was rescued.
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
