A green sea turtle found on a beach on North Uist has been rescued in the first confirmed recording of the species in Scotland. The animal, discovered by a member of the public on Thursday, October 29, was reported to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
A marine medic from the charity was already on the island and attended immediately to rescue the turtle, which would not have survived long in Scotland's cold waters. The turtle was later identified as a green sea turtle with the help of Marine Environment Monitoring and Sea Life.
Rare Sighting for UK and Ireland
The species, named after the green fat beneath its shell, feeds primarily on seagrass and is native to tropical and subtropical seas worldwide. The discovery is exceptionally rare, with only six living green sea turtles recorded around the coastlines of the UK and Ireland since records began in 1875. The North Uist rescue marks the first confirmed sighting in Scotland.
Care and Transport
The turtle was cared for overnight on North Uist before being transported by ferry to Sea Life Loch Lomond, where staff provided initial treatment to stabilise it. It was then transferred from Balloch to Sea Life Blackpool, where specialist staff continued caring for the animal in the hope it would recover sufficiently to be returned to a suitable release site.
Tragically, it is understood that the turtle has since passed away.
Reporting Advice
A spokesperson for Marine Environment Monitoring urged anyone who encounters a marine turtle to report it immediately.
They said: “If you ever see any marine turtle, it is important to report it straight away. If it is alive and at sea you can report it via our website.
“If it is on the beach alive or dead, please report it by our telephone line 0800 652 0333 and select option one.”
