Orca spotters in the far north are being urged to take part in the next National Whale and Dolphin Watch which starts next weekend.
Scientists at the Sea Watch Foundation (SWF) are keen to get details of sightings of any whales, dolphins or porpoises seen in waters off Caithness or Orkney between July 27 and August 4.
The charity makes clear no previous experience is required. All that people need to bring is patience, a pair of binoculars, a sightings forms and a cetacean identification guide. Both the latter can be downloaded from the SWF website.
The charity suggests that people conduct their land watches for a minimum of one hour and should work in groups to take turns during data collection.
There are manned sites around the country where experienced watchers will be available to assist first-timers.
