A pod of more than 50 pilot whales has died after a mass stranding on a Scottish beach.

Marine rescuers were called to the scene at Traigh Mhor in North Tolsta, on the Isle of Lewis, to reports that dozens of the mammals were in difficulty.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) charity tried to refloat two of the more active whales that were low down in the water on the outgoing tide, and one got away. However, the other subsequently restranded and died later on, as did three others.

Photo: BDMLR

At around 3.30pm it was decided that the remaining whales should be euthanised on welfare grounds.

The cause of the stranding is unknown, but it is thought the pod may have followed one of the females that was in difficulty.

BDMLR added: “At about 3.30pm, the local vet along with the coastguard, fire and rescue, and a forensics vet came to the conclusion that the shallow beach and rough wave conditions made it too unsafe to refloat the remaining animals.

“Considering how long the pilot whales had been out of the water in addition to the poor conditions, it was decided that they should be euthanised on welfare grounds.

Pilot whales are part of the dolphin family and are the cetacean species most susceptible to mass strandings.

Further information can be read in the Guardian, BBC and BDMLR websites.