Sanday whale update – 17 July 2024

Statement on behalf of Orkney Islands Council’s Corporate Director of Neighbourhood Services and Infrastructure, Hayley Green.  

“Six days ago, we were alerted to a mass beaching of a pod of 77 long-finned pilot whales on the North Isle of Sanday. My sincere thanks to go Emma Neave-Webb, Area Co-ordinator for British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and Strandings co-ordinator for the International Whaling Commission, who stays in Sanday and was one of the first to arrive at this terrible scene. She was joined by volunteer medics from BDMLR who made their way to Tresness beach as quickly as possible on Thursday (11 July) to assist.  

“They found 77 whales, including a mix of adults, calves and juveniles. Only 14 (not 12 as reported earlier) survived what is believed to be the largest mass stranding in the UK since 1927 when more than 130 false killer whales stranded in Dornoch Firth. Sadly, following consultation with veterinary experts, the decision was taken to euthanise the remaining whales on welfare grounds due to their deteriorating condition. 

“Every effort was made by all involved to do the absolute best for these beautiful creatures but, sadly, the outcome was not one which anyone would have wanted.  

 “Our focus then had to move on to how best to dispose of the large number of whales. We had many kind offers from landowners and after much consideration with our external partners and the Sanday community, a satisfactory resolution was found with the identification of a suitable site from where to dig eight burial holes – with each containing no more than ten whales.  

“Careful consideration had to be given to avoiding areas of specific interest in terms of wildlife, birdlife and archaeology.  

“My thanks go to local farmers, particularly James Muir, for his assistance and co-ordination of the removal of the whales and their onward burial. James and other farmers - Adam Towrie, Ian Simpson, John Boyd, Shaun Thomson, Alex Jenkins and Raymond Brown - worked tirelessly to ensure this happened swiftly and with as much dignity as was possible. Our gratitude must also go to Orkney Ferries and Orkney Builders for arranging the ferry charter to take additional machinery to Sanday to assist with the removal and burial. 

“The burial sites are now recovered and our part in this operation is being wound down today, Wednesday. Following further discussion, one whale remains at the beach and will decompose naturally to allow the community to retain its skeleton to serve as a poignant reminder and memorial to the lost whales. This will be offered to the island’s Heritage Centre on permanent loan from the Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme (SMASS). 

“I also want to thank the wider Sanday community, giving special mention to Sanday Community Council Chair, Andy Wilcox, Councillor Stephen Clackson, Jacqueline Seatter and Lucy Drever for their local knowledge and assistance. Also, Jackie and Malcolm Sinclair for the loan of a vehicle to get us back and fore to the site and the patience and understanding of those residing at Tresness. To the many accommodation providers, among them Jackie Sinclair, Raymond and Tina Brown, George and Norma Brown, Eleanor Skea, Sadhbh Walker, Helen Porter – and the two local shops and businesses for keeping us fed and watered, we are very grateful.   

“I must also give mention to the SMASS, which is the dedicated research and reporting scheme for stranded cetaceans, pinnipeds, marine turtles, and large sharks in Scotland. Their work alongside colleagues from the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) has been exceptional and hopefully adds to our knowledge of these particular whales and why this may have happened. The scientists will continue their important research work and, it is hoped, that their findings will be made available at a later date.  

“As always, we will review how we handled the event and if we can share good practice if this were ever to happen again, or, indeed, if there were any lessons we could learn and improve upon.  

“Once again, my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped in any way with this tragic occurrence both locally and from our external partners.