Bomb disposal experts were scrambled to the Moray shoreline today following the discovery of what was believed to be a suspected ordnance.
Emergency teams were first called to Burghead beach on Tuesday afternoon following reports of an object in the water.
A cordon was placed around the area as emergency teams guarded the device, awaiting the arrival of a Royal Navy bomb disposal experts.
Following a thorough assessment of the object, they confirmed it was a piece of scrap metal.
A Navy spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Royal Navy bomb disposal experts from Northern Diving Group (NDG) attended a call to Burghead Beach earlier today to examine a suspected item of ordnance which was discovered there. NDG have completed their assessment and can confirm that it is not an item of ordnance but a piece of scrap metal. There is no requirement for a controlled explosion.”
Police and coastguard teams were also in attendance as investigations were carried out at the scene.
A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland was made aware around 10.20am on Wednesday, 1 July of possible ordnance found on the shore near Burghead.
“Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) have been contacted and are attending.”