Three whales have died and 10 others are stranded off the Isle of Skye.

The whales became stuck on rocks on Staffin Island off the northern coast earlier today.

A team from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is tending to the stranded mammals.

A spokesman said: “They are not in an easy position as they have stranded awkwardly on rocks, meaning it is difficult to relieve the pressure on their bodies.”

The BDMLR was alerted to a pod of 21 pilot whales that had become stranded at Brogaig Bay on Skye at about 4am.

Rescuers said 18 were refloated before 10 became stranded again on Staffin Island.

Two whales died and a pregnant female who was not expected to survive was euthanised, the BDMLR said.

The pod was first spotted off Staffin at 4.30pm yesterday.

Scotland’s Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “I am very concerned to hear about this stranding of pilot whales on Skye. Marine Scotland and BDMLR are currently working hard to alleviate the situation.

“We have a patrol vessel and other staff on site and I am being kept informed of the situation. Sadly it appears that some of the whales have already died and the situation is becoming increasingly difficult as the outgoing tide is leaving the stranded animals out of the water.”