The BDMLR has thanked the public who heeded warnings to observe the whale from the shore.

BBC: Whale Gilbert 'seen off Cornwall'

"We are aware there may have been people messing about, " said BDMLR director Tony Woodley.

BBC: NEWS | UK | 'Fake bids' hit eBay whale sale

The can has now been signed by a number of BDMLR members who took part in the rescue.

BBC: NEWS | UK | 'Fake bids' hit eBay whale sale

Stephen Marsh, of BDMLR, told BBC Radio Scotland that it was not known why pilot whales had stranded overnight.

BBC: Royal Navy 'changes training' to avoid whales

The Royal Navy has taken steps to avoid two areas off Scotland where whales have been spotted, British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) has said.

BBC: Royal Navy 'changes training' to avoid whales

World whale experts are currently gathered in Portugal for the European Cetacean Society conference, and Mr Scott said the BDMLR had been able to pass valuable information on to them.

BBC: Oban Bay sperm whale swims back out to sea

Some 20 of them were refloated to deeper water using inflatable pontoons as the water returned, but the remainder had died, the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) charity said.

BBC: Pilot whales die after Highland beaching