A young humpback whale has been spotted making its way through the Firth of Forth. 

The 40 foot mammal is thought to be a male that has roamed into the waters after recent stormy weather.

Members of the public first alerted marine conservationists after sightings  at the weekend.

Paul Smith from British Divers Marine Life Rescue(BDMLR) and his team who observed the whale yesterday said it wasn't any danger.

He said: "It seems to be quite happy and we've checked to see it isn't hurt or is entangled in fishing equipment. 

"It's hard to say why the whale came into the Forth. It could be lost, confused or just happy to be there. 

"We've had some storms recently so it may just be taking a break and coming in for shelter. 

"But we won't be having any more involvement now, unless it becomes tangled or beached."

It is unusual to see humpback whales in Fife but the east coast is a migratory route for humpbacks travelling to breeding and feeding grounds, from Africa to Iceland. 

Last year even a more unusual sight when a group sperm whales were spotted in the Forth. These mammals are normally on the west coast in deeper waters. 

Mr Smith urged the public to keep a distance away from the young humpback. 

He added: "I would ask members of the public not to go bothering it by boats because this might push the whale further upstream. 

"It is pretty settled."

For an emergency response for injured or abandoned seals, beached or entangled porpoises, dolphins and whales, please call 01825765546 (office hours) or 07787 433412 (out of hours). 

Visit http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/ for more information.