Fishy tale at Freswick but what is this weird creature that Caithness beach cleaners found?
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An eco-minded couple who were clearing the shoreline at Freswick came across an unusual animal washed up on the beach.
Dorcas and Allan Sinclair started up Caithness Beach Cleans to help rid the coastline of plastic debris and similar materials that pollute our oceans.
Over the last few days they have been concentrating their efforts on Freswick beach after seeing waves pounding the coastline there during recent stormy weather.
"We knew that it was going to be bad as we had seen the waves coming in a few days ago," said Dorcas earlier this week.
"However, bad doesn't cover it. We could see white barrels at the far end of the beach and the close part had loads of barrels and things on it."
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Dorcas continued: "We totally filled the car. I stashed a large bag that I had found on the beach at the far end and Allan put the white barrels with it and a fish box. We will have to go back tomorrow but I don't think we can get the quad onto the beach now because of the way the rocks have all moved."
On the first litter picking expedition the couple came across the strange looking marine animal lying on the beach and covered in sand. The creature may be a congor eel which is more commonly washed up on the west coast of Scotland. There are a few records on the eastern coasts of England and Scotland but the conger is less numerous in these areas.
Dorcas also came across a "nasty weedkiller bottle" which, though empty, could still pose a threat to wildlife. The couple said they went as far as the WWII concrete defences on their first trip but came back later with a quad bike and sledge to remove more items.
There is a Facebook page for Caithness Beach Cleans and volunteers who wish to rid the coastline of plastic and other rubbish are welcome to join.
A post on the social media page from yesterday (Thursday, November 24) said that the group has removed a grand total of 46.47 tons from our beaches.
