First underwater images of humpback whales in UK waters taken in Shetlands

Humpback whales have been regularly sighted in the waters around the British Isles in recent years, from Cornwall to Northern Scotland, and many of these sightings have been recorded with photographs. But until now, it is thought there has never been any underwater footage taken of these creatures in UK waters.

Now for the first time, two wildlife photographers, Richard Shucksmith and Brydon Thomason, have captured close-up images of whales that recently visited the Shetland Islands, north of mainland Scotland.

While most adult whales head south to mate and give birth in warmer waters during the winter, it appears some juvenile whales prefer to stay further north to feed.