A SPATE of whale and dolphin deaths along Scotland's shores has been linked to the hunt for a Russian nuclear submarine stalking our coast.

In just over a month the carcasses of 43 beaked whales have washed ashore on the Western Isles and Outer Hebrides.

5 A decomposing 30ft minke whale Belhaven beach, near Dunbar in East Lothian washed up in May Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

Now Government experts hired to investigate say that sonar signals from Royal Navy vessels could be behind the tragic loss of life.

They are hunting for Vladimir Putin's hunter-killer subs in a move reminiscent of the Cold War classic film The Hunt For Red October.

It is thought that the sonar waves can frighten deep-diving whales — forcing them to surface too quickly.

This can lead to symptoms similar to decompression sickness - also known as the bends - in humans.

5 The Russian Borei-class nuclear-powered submarine Vladimir Monomakh. Putin's subs have been stalking Britain's coastline Credit: Alamy

Mariel Ten Doeschate, a data analyst Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (Smass), said the beaked whale is "very sensitive to sonar".

She added: "This could have a real effect on population numbers so we want to ask more targeted questions of the UK government following the investigation.”

In May Gavin Williamson, the UK defence secretary said that Russian submarine activity in the north Atlantic had increased tenfold.

He said that in 2010 a Royal Navy ship was called on just once to respond to Russian navy vessels — while last year the UK had to react 33 times.

Nato officials have said that Russian submarine activity is at the highest levels since the Cold War.

5 The wave of whale deaths has been linked to the hunt for Russian subs Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

Smass has been given extra funding by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to investigate the deaths.

Analysts are working with oceanographers to find out if submarines have passed through areas at the same time as whales.

Two more carcasses washed up on the west coast of Scotland earlier this week.

One was discovered at Bellochantuy on the coast of Kintyre on Monday and another washed up ten miles north of Bellochantuy at the weekend.

In 2014 and 2015, 37 carcasses were washed up on Scottish beaches and 14 off the coast of Ireland.

5 Russian submarine activity around the UK has increased tenfold Credit: Alamy

Nick Davison, from Smass, added: "We have had mass events involving this species in 2008 and the winter of 2014-15 but nothing on this scale.

"This is unprecedented.

"The cause is unknown. But one of the main suspects is mid-range sonar.

"These are the deepest diving whales in the world. Sonar could cause them to suffer, in effect, the bends.”

Mr Davison added: “We have contacted the military, but whatever has happened has happened in international waters, which could involve any number of navies.”

In 2011, 19 pilot whales died after becoming stranded on the north coast of Scotland.

A report concluded that four large bombs detonated underwater by the Royal Navy were to blame.

5 A gull flies over a pilot whale in Loch Carron in South Uist, Scotland Credit: Getty Images - Getty

The Scottish government said that it takes its duty to protect the country’s marine life “extremely seriously”.

Sarah Dolman from Whale and Dolphin Conservation also suspects military activity is behind the deaths.

She said: "It needs to be determined what human activities were occurring offshore, including military, during that time period."

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The Royal Navy has denied any involvement over the most recent deaths.

A spokesperson said: "There is no evidence that the deaths of these marine mammals have been attributed to any Royal Navy Sonar operations, trials or exercises.

"We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and continue to work with the relevant UK authorities".

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