THE continuing warm spell in Wester Ross is bringing in ever increasing numbers of popoise, dolphin and whale along the west coast and out to the Islands.
Passengers on the Ullapool cruise boat The Summer Queen were treated to a close encounter with dolphin on Monday and Tuesday this week.
Crew said that a large pod that had been further out in the Minch appears to have broken into three groups and is scattered around Loch Broom and the Summer Isles.
One group of about 40, including 10 young and calves, came alongside to have a look at the boat and the passengers. They could be seen all around the boat, under the water and leaping in the air.
Some of the young appeared to be only weeks old and were enjoying the attention, jumping alongside and spinning onto their backs!
Sightings on the Summer Queen contribute to national sighting databases operated by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and the Sea Watch Foundation.
