Bomb disposal experts descended on a secluded Moray beauty spot today to detonate an explosive which had lain undiscovered for decades.
The live shell dating back to World War II was discovered at Findhorn Bay during a coastguard patrol on Sunday afternoon.
Police officers and coastguard crews had guarded the area since the shell was found, and yesterday a stretch of the shore was cleared while it was safely blown up.
Shortly after 2pm, the Royal Navy aces performed the controlled detonation – the sound of the resulting explosion ricocheting around the bay.
Alarmed seabirds squawked in the sky while a cluster of nearby seals scurried into the sea.
It is believed the shell may have lain buried in dunes since the 1940s, when that part of the beach was used for target practice during army training sessions prior to World War II.
Over the years, the dunes have undergone a radical transformation and coastguard crews reckon the shifting sands may have dislodged the previously buried device.
Bomb disposal experts dug a hole in the sand yesterday so they could safely bury the 10-15kilo shell prior to its detonation.
Coastguard staff cordoned off a section of the beach and ensured that an assembled gathering of dog-walkers and holidaymakers remained a safe distance away from the explosion.
A coastguard spokesman said: “The shell was discovered by the Nairn coastguard team when they were on patrol on Sunday afternoon.
“They located the item of ordnance, and we then sent the appropriate information through to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, who decided it would be best to carry out a controlled explosion.
“We believe the shell dated from World War II, and was about 70 years old.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed that efforts had been made to protect the public from the ancient munition.
She said: “We received a call at 3.50pm on Sunday about an ordnance device found at a secluded area of beach at Findhorn.
“We put protection in place and monitored that area of the beach as a precaution.”