THEY are the largest turtles on the planet and have iconic status - but they're not normally spotted in Scotland.
Ocean observers had a "once in a lifetime moment" at the weekend when a leatherback turtle emerged just meters from their boat off the Inner Hebrides.
The species, found in both the Pacific and Atlantic, is seldom seen in Scotland but was swimming 15 miles west of the Inner Hebridean isle of Muck.
The encounter happened during an expedition by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, which was collecting scientific data on the sealife in the area.
Scotland’s west coast seas are globally important habitats for cetaceans - whales, dolphins and porpoises - but sightings of turtles are much rarer, with just one other encounter with a leatherback turtle in over 17 years.
None of the crew had ever seen a turtle in the UK before this one "popped up" 100 metres away from their vessel.
Marine biodiversity officer Becky Dudley said: "It was truly a once in a lifetime moment for all of us on board.
"The turtle did not seem to be in much of a hurry to go anywhere and we floated alongside the animal as it swam over towards, using its colossal front flippers to propel itself forward with ease.
"It was enormous! We could see the whole animal under the water as it glided along, taking periodic breaths, before disappearing beneath the waves.
"I have been sailing around the Hebrides, year-round, for over two years now. This has to be one of the most magical and surprising encounters so far, and one I will never forget."
Leatherback turtles reach up to 2.5 meters in length and breed in tropical waters.
They visit more temperate zones to feed on jellyfish and other soft-bodied sea creatures.
The Trust said: "Although this sighting is rare, leather back turtles should feel right at home in Scottish waters as they have unique set of adaptations, including change in blood flow and a thick layer of fat, that allow them to have internal control over their body temperature.
"This means that they are able to forage in temperatures lower than 5˚celcius.
"However, they do not come ashore on beaches in the UK, so if you see one of these turtles on land please inform British Divers Marine Life Rescue."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel