'Rotten' and 'smelly' whale carcass removed from rocks near Wick Bay footpath
A dead whale has been removed from rocks on the north side of Wick Bay after complaints that it had become "rotten" and "smelly" and a potential biohazard.
Several months after the minke whale was washed ashore, Highland Council arranged for contractors to take it away on Sunday. Part of the nearby North Head footpath was closed off while the task was carried out.
Walkers using the popular path had been disgusted by the odour coming from the deteriorating carcass and concerns had been highlighted by the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC).
Community councillor Alastair Ferrier had raised the issue with the local authority only to be informed at first that the remains would not be removed. He described the initial response from the environment health service as "quite poor".
Mr Ferrier claimed the carcass represented a biohazard and he was worried that children venturing too close could pick up diseases from it.
However, Highland Council then agreed to arrange for its removal.
A spokesperson said: “Public access was temporarily restricted on part of the Wick North Head core path on Sunday [July 10] to allow contractors to remove a whale carcass from the shore. An alternative route was available through to Murray Avenue and Broadhaven Road.
"The council apologised for any inconvenience while the works were being carried out.
"The carcass was removed by a suitably licensed company that specialises in the removal of fallen stock and other animals. It was disposed of by them.
"Following the initial grounding of the carcass it unfortunately moved further inshore more recently and the council proceeded to arrange the removal actions by contractors."
At the June meeting of RBWCC, Mr Ferrier said: "I know myself that it's rotten and it's smelly, depending on which way the wind is blowing."
He pointed out that the carcass was infested with maggots and flies.
At the community council's July meeting, chairperson Joanna Coghill complained that the responses from the environmental department had been unacceptable.
"This situation was brought to their [Highland Council's] attention in February and we are now in July," she said.