Schools of basking sharks have appeared around the Western Isles just days after a wildlife charity warned the sea was too cold for them.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) said chilly waters were keeping the sharks away.
But Lewis-
Murray Macleod of Seatrek said: “Passengers were delighted to be met with such an impressive sighting in Cliff bay and near Gallan Head.
He said a group of six basking sharks was spotted just “20 minutes into the trip near Cliff bay, feeding on the abundant plankton, with further groups of basking sharks observed throughout the day, giving an approximate count of 25 sharks in total.
Later that same day, one of Seatrek's Ribs came across a pod of about 15 Minke whales at Gallan Head.
Mr Macleod said it was “an unusual sight, as they are more commonly seen in small groups of up to four.
“They appeared to be in a feeding frenzy and could clearly be seen rolling sideways to try and consume as much plankton as possible in their huge mouths.
“The presence of gannets diving amongst the pod suggests there would have been fish as well, with plankton thick on the water surface in places.”
