Stevenston beach: Dead whale found on shore

Coastguard personnel are understood to have been called to the shoreline following the discovery, first reported at around 11.30am on Wednesday, October 26.

The Herald reader who made the discovery told how they had first mistaken the whale to be a boat when he spot it from the promenade.

High tide was expected at 1.55pm today, and it was feared that the whale, which is believed to be female, might have been washed back out to sea.

The dead whale which washed ashore on the beach in Stevenston (Image: George Wilton)

However, another passer-by, who was at the scene more recently, stated that the coastguard was now in attendance in an attempt to deal with the carcass.

A similar situation was last seen in the Three Towns in March 2021, when a 15ft long finned pilot whale, which weighed 500kg was discovered on the shore in Saltcoats.

The Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) was contacted to deal with the Saltcoats discovery.

The whale when first spotted. (Image: George Wilton)

They had to wait until the next low tide before working with the coastguard who arrived to assist with public safety, arrangements were then made for the remains to be uplifted by the council.

North Ayrshire Council are now aware of the situation, and are working to address this.

A council spokesperson said: "We have been made aware that a minke whale carcass has washed up on Stevenston beach.

"The Council is responsible for the removal and disposal of whales under 25 feet long and plans are underway to arrange this as soon as possible.

"Due to the condition of the carcass, the public are advised to stay away from the area surrounding it."

In an update provided to the Herald later in the afternoon (October 26), we were informed that the council would not be removing the whale until at least October 27 or 28.

David Devoy, area coordinator for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), confirmed that this was the case.

He added that he, on behalf of the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) would be attending the area tonight, at low tide (around 6pm), to take samples from the deceased whale.