Burial operation for 77 whales under way after mass stranding on Orkney

The burial of 77 whales that died in a mass stranding in Orkney is due to be completed on Wednesday thanks to the efforts of local farmers.

Dozens of pilot whales were discovered on Sanday beach on Thursday in what is thought to have been the largest mass stranding for decades.

Eight suitable sites have been identified for the carcasses by Orkney Council after burial at sea was ruled out following advice from environmental regulators.

The farming community will be carrying out the burials with local farmer James Muir co-ordinating the clearance from Sanday beach.

Farmers will dig a number of sites, and will assist with burial and re-coverage.

Members of the public are being advised to stay away from the activity for their own safety.

NHS Orkney has supplied PPE to the farmers undertaking the operating while Orkney Builders have supplied additional equipment which arrived on a charter ferry on Tuesday.

Experts from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, who had led and investigation into the stranding, left the island on Tuesday after carrying out autopsies on the whales and collecting samples.

From the pod, they were able to collect 72 sections of jaw, five entire skulls, 77 scapulas, and an estimated 2,000 other samples.

They said some skulls would be put on display at National Museums Scotland.

The data and samples collected across the weekend have been described as being “hugely valuable” in shedding light on the stranding but on the lives of the whales.

Orkney Islands Council’s corporate director of Neighbourhood Services and Infrastructure, Hayley Green, said: “Our huge thanks are extended to James Muir – and all other farmers – for agreeing to assist with what will be a very unpleasant job.

“Again, we extend our thanks to Orkney Builders, Orkney Ferries for the swift charter arrangement, Sanday Community Council and all those external partners who have been supporting us through this marine tragedy.

“We have descended on Sanday and been welcomed with nothing but open arms from the extensive offers of assistance, from making sure we have had transport, to a hot meal, nothing has been too much trouble.

“The investigations continue into the cause of this mass beaching, and I am sure an update will be provided by the relevant authority once more is known.

“As has been quoted in the past, the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. If I have taken away one thing from this tragedy, it is that our community spirit here in Orkney remains as strong as ever.”

The pod was discovered on Thursday morning with 65 of the whales already confirmed dead.

A further 12 were euthanised by experts after their conditions deteriorated throughout the day.