Dolphins spotted in the River Clyde
Dolphins have been spotted swimming in the River Clyde near Erskine.
A dog walker spotted the mammals, which could also have been porpoises, near the Erskine Bridge around 6.30am yesterday.
It is not the first time the mammals have been seen in the River Clyde, with a number of species of dolphin living on the West Coast of Scotland.
Alison Rose, of the Scottish Dolphin Centre, said they could either be bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins or harbour porpoises.
She said: “I think them coming into the River Clyde is a bit more unusual but they will go where they need to get food and shelter.
“I find, as the years go by, more and more people are watching the rivers and seas so there are more sightings also.”
While dolphins and porpoises look similar, Alison said there are a few distinguishing characteristics to look out for.
She continued: “Dolphins can grow up to three or four metres long, whereas harbour porpoises are one to two metres.
“Another thing to watch out for is the position and shape of the fin.
“Porpoises have a fin in the middle of their back which is more triangular and symmetrical whereas dolphins have one that is further back towards the tail and curved.”
Alison has urged people out on the water not to veer too close to the creatures in order to protect them.
She added: “It’s easy to get over-excited but it’s important to let them have their space.”