WATCH: Close encounter for paddle-boarder as basking shark visits Nairn beach waters
PEOPLE in Nairn had a surprise visit on Sunday as a sizeable finn was spotted surfacing around Nairn beach waters.
A basking shark was seen by many swimming in the area, and a few were in the water and had the animal approaching them at short distance.
One lucky Nairn-based paddle boarder, Sean Mcmahon, (35), got a close-up encounter with the mighty fish.
He said: "I go down most evenings to walk the dogs as we stay just right next to the beach, and if weather is good we sometimes go out for a swim or a paddle.
"I was just heading back in from a swim when I noticed the fin in the water. I ran up to the house grabbed the board and stuck on the wetsuit and headed out. I must have been out for about two hours all in.
"It didn’t seem fazed by my presence and I was mindful to be respectful and keep my distance as I didn’t want to spook it, plus I’ve seen Jaws and there’s only one winner there!
"It was a very surreal experience and quite humbling just watching it swim around me."
Local photographer Kenny Macleod, was alerted of the sighting and was soon on the scene to capture the encounter.
He said: "Basking sharks are a regular visitor to the Moray Firth at this time of the year.
"I got a call from a friend at 8pm on Sunday night saying he could see it from his house so I quickly made for the pier."
Several other locals who were near Nairn beach waters – on paddle=boards or other vessels – posted their videos as the shark swam past them seemingly undisturbed on between Sunday and Monday.
