Whales die in mass stranding off Scotland

Gareth Norman, BDMLR co-ordinator for the area, said it is likely only nine of the remaining 13 animals will survive.

Teams of volunteer medics from BDMLR were sent to the area, with specialist rescue pontoons being moved to the location from across Scotland, Newcastle and Cumbria.

Over 30 medics are on the scene and are being assisted by an additional 25 from other emergency service organisations including the coastguard, Fife fire service, Fife Police and the SSPCA.

A further 24 pilot whales from the same pod are in the shallows three miles along the coast at Cellardyke.

Medics are observing these animals and hoping that they will not strand as the tide is now rising, with high tide at around 4.30pm.