Burial operation for pod of 77 whales in Sanday under way

Hayley Green, Orkney Islands Council’s corporate director of neighbourhood services and infrastructure, said it had been “challenging” to identify eight suitable sites for burial.

“Sanday is a land rich in archaeology and protected bird and wildlife species,” she said.

“However, thanks to the community I am pleased to report that this has now been achieved and those sites have already been cleared for use.”

She added: “We hope that the burials will be completed today, or by Wednesday at the latest.

“We would respectfully ask that people stay away from the burial activity for their own safety and stress that this will not make for pleasant viewing.”