A wildlife photographer captured the images of a lifetime after spotting a humpback whale off the North-east coast.

Eilidh Watson, a marine mammal medic, spotted the massive cetacean swimming near to the Ythan Estuary following rumours the animal had been spotted.

Speaking to the Press and Journal, Eilidh said: “There had been reports of something there for the last few days, so I wanted to head down and see what it was.

“Everyone was adamant that it was a more common minke whale, so I was absolutely astounded to see a humpback coming out of the water.

“At first I wasn’t completely sure, but when I got a good look at its fins I knew for sure it was a humpback I started jumping up and down and dancing, it was just so exciting.”

Humpbacks are rarely seen swimming in UK waters, however, they have been previously spotted near the Western Isles.

Eilidh added: “It’s so very, very rare to even see a humpback close to Scotland, and it’s even rarer to have them visible in the north-east, so I still can’t believe I was in the right place at the right time to photograph it.”