Pod of dolphins strand ashore in Stornoway harbour

9 August 2021

A rescue bid was launched after a pod of dolphins grounded on the shore within Stornoway harbour today.

Nine of the mammals ventured into the hazards, stranding at Bayhead estuary late morning.

The falling tide was against the rescuers, receding by the minute and heightening the risk of the mammals coming to serious grief.

Liaising with police were members of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation UK.

Even after refloating the dolphins remained close to the shallows, risking regrounding, swimming in tight circles around yachts in the port's marina.

Two crew members of Stornoway RNLI lifeboat got behind the pod in their inflatable boat and a group of local kayaks helped steer the dolphins on a zigzag course through the harbour channel.

By 2pm the pod had been encouraged towards Arnish lighthouse towards the open water of the Minch.

Coastguards were stationed on both sides of the harbour estuary as a crowd of spectators gathered to watch.