A whale has died after becoming stranded with two others on a beach in Easter Ross, according to the coastguard.
A member of the public spotted the three whales on the beach at Portmahomack and contacted the local coastguard at 8.25am.
Two coastguard teams were dispatched to the scene and the animal welfare charity, the Scottish SPCA, was alerted.
A spokesman for the coastguard said: “Local teams have been assisting the Scottish SPCA by trying to get the mammals back in the water, drenching them in water and keeping their blow holes clear.”
One of the whales has died, and two were returned to the sea, the coastguard said.
Scottish SPCA senior inspector Andy Brown said: “We have been in attendance at Portmahomack where three pilot whales stranded earlier this morning.
“Sadly, one of the whales perished but we were able to successfully refloat two with the assistance of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, the coastguard, police and members of the public.
“We will continue to monitor their progress and anyone who spots a whale close to shore should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
