MARINE experts were called out to Cumbrae after residents reported concern over the health of a seal who turned out to watch the setting sun at the weekend.
Several Millport residents saw the seal on the shore at Kames Bay on the evening of Friday, March 22.
However, the animal's movement and breathing pattern led to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue charity being contacted for advice.
Fortunately it was deemed that no intervention was required, and eventually the seal made its own way back to the open sea.
Now Cumbrae's Coastguard Rescue Team are encouraging residents to learn what to do when a stranded whale, dolphin or porpoise has been spotted.
A spokesperson said: "One of Cumbrae's offshore residents paid us a visit this evening. This huge fella decided that low tide at Kames Bay was the perfect spot to haul out and spend the afternoon waiting for the sunset.
"This seal was most definitely not underweight, but its movements and breathing pattern required monitoring by British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
"Fortunately, no other intervention was necessary on this occasion. He was left to his own devices, and our visitor eventually made his own way back to open water on the incoming tide.
"BDMLR is one of many partner organisations that we work with around the coast and they have produced this helpful graphic to explain what you should do if you find a stranded whale, dolphin or porpoise.
"Be aware of changing conditions around the coast and on the beach and if you find yourself, or see someone else, in danger then call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 here