A pod of killer whales have been spotted off the coast of Western Scotland twice this week, visiting the Summer Islands and Coigach.
Residents contacted the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, who established that the pod were not part of the usual group that navigates the area, known as the West Coast Community.
The frequency of their sightings have led some experts to believe that the visit may not just be a one off.
The Summer Queen, a cruise boat that operates from Ullapool, witnessed the pod swimming alongside them for almost half an hour.
Skipper Husdain Mackay said that they were very excited to encounter the whales:
‘It would be nice to think that these beautiful animals might decide to stay locally as they are a true wonder of nature.’
The pod were seen hunting apparently only for fish, as the local porpoises and seals did not appear to be alarmed.