Rescuers are working to free a whale which has become entangled in a rope on the Isle of Skye.
A member of the public spotted the humpback in difficulty and contacted British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) at around 8.30am on Thursday to raise the alarm.
BDMLR medics are at the scene near Rigg on the Isle of Skye working to free the creature.
The charity urged people and boats to stay away from the area during the rescue operation.
A BDMLR spokeswoman said: “Current assessment shows the animal is visibly entangled in a rope and unable to swim freely.
“Members of our Large Whale Disentanglement Team have mobilised from across the UK and with the help of the local community and emergency services are now working to free the whale as soon as is safely possible.
“The situation is currently ongoing and we kindly request that members of the public (and those in boats) please do not travel to see the whale whilst access is needed for rescue operations.”
In November the Large Whale Disentanglement Team successfully freed a humpback whale that had become entangled in creel ropes in Loch Fyne.
Humpback whales are found in oceans around the world.
They can grow to around 18 metres in length and weigh up to 40 tonnes.
