Experts have confirmed that a pod of 14 sperm whales were spotted in the Firth of Forth last week.
The whales were seen swimming in the firth on Thursday between 1pm and 2pm, heading from the island of Fidra to the Lamb, just a mile offshore from the Seabird Centre at North Berwick, which is an official Sea Watch Foundation National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2013 site.
The whales then appeared to change direction, heading towards Crail in Fife.
The amazing sight was reported to the Seabird Centre by microlight pilots from East of Scotland Microlights, which spotted the whales from a height of about 500ft and captured some stunning images.
The water was completely still apart from the disturbance created by the whales’ blowholes and the froth churned by their tails.
The whales were also observed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) staff and other researchers on the Isle of May who were able to identify the whales’ tail flukes, dorsal fins and plumes of spray.
Their sighting reports, along with expert views, confirm that these were almost certainly sperm whales.
North Berwick marine conservationist and author Erich Hoyt said: “This sighting of 14 sperm whales between Fidra and the Lamb and along the North Berwick shore is encouraging.
“Sperm whales are rarely seen in the Firth of Forth, and to see 14 of them travelling together is very special.
SNH national nature reserve manager on the Isle of May David Pickett said: “This was a thrilling experience.”
Scottish Seabird Centre chief executive Tom Brock said:“This sighting is truly wonderful news and helps to highlight some of the amazing wildlife that can be spotted right here on our doorstep.”
A talk on whale and dolphin conservation will take place at the Scottish Seabird Centre on May 15 at 7pm.
In Dolphins Down Under, marine ecologist Dr Mike Bossley will speak about his pioneering conservation work with dolphins in South Australia, with an introduction by Mr Hoyt.