Boat the gannet has set sail from Aberdour after months of tender care.

The Scottish SPCA rescued the bird when he was just a young chick in August near Bass Rock on the Firth of the Forth.

The animal welfare charity has cared for Boat for three months now after he was separated from his parents during a storm with high winds.

Now 12-weeks-old he was ready to go back into the wild and was released in Aberdour.

National Wildlife Rescue Centre Manager, Colin Seddon, said: "Thanks to our team here at the wildlife centre, Boat has grown into a magnificent juvenile gannet, now capable of taking care of himself.

"At first, we assist-fed him on mackerel, then he began hand feeding, and after that he just took more or less as much food as he wanted.

"Now that he’s fully waterproofed and has reached his fledgling weight and age, he’s ready to be back in the wild.

"We released him at Aberdour not far from where he was born."

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.