Cetaceans

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are collectively known as cetaceans. Twenty-three species have been recorded in Scottish waters over the last 25 years. Of these 11 are regularly sighted, the remaining 12 are considered to be vagrants or rare visitors.

Cetaceans are very mobile and can range widely with some undertaking large scale seasonal migrations often leaving Scottish waters in the process. Other species are more localised in their distribution. The greatest diversity of species is found off the continental shelf in waters to the north and west of Scotland.