Heart-warming moment Dolphin stranded on north beach is rescued by passers-by

A north-east photographer has captured the moment strangers helped to rescue a stranded bottlenose dolphin on a north of Scotland beach.

Lorraine Culloch spotted the stranded animal after her Sat Nav took her down the wrong path and took pictures as a team of helpers staged a 10-hour rescue mission to save the creature.

Volunteers draped the dolphin, who they later named Spirtle, in wet linens until the tide came back in and then helped her head back out to sea.

In a statement posted to Facebook, Lorraine said: “These amazing men and women stayed up all night waiting and monitoring the dolphin before wading out into cold deep water at 4am.

“I am delighted to say it was a huge success and the last sighting of her was swimming strong in an outwards direction.”

She added: “A massive well done to all involved – an amazing team of people.”