Marine animal experts are preparing for a potential mass stranding by up to 100 pilot whales in South Uist in the Western Isles.
The whales were spotted in Loch Carnan on Thursday afternoon and about 20 were said to have had cuts to their heads.
It is thought the injuries may have been caused by the whales' attempts to strand themselves on the rocky foreshore of the sea loch.
Sick and injured whales are known to beach themselves to die.
However, at times, dying whales have been followed to shore by healthy animals.
Conservationists have also suggested the whales may have got lost, or entered the loch following prey.
Rescuers said inflatable pontoons for refloating whales were on the way.
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