Concerns remain for the three whales which have drawn crowds to the shores of the Gareloch in recent days.
A major military exercise is due to start soon, with ships starting to arrive tomorrow, but the Ministry of Defence has said its schedule may be amended because of the situation.
Northern Bottlenose Whales are usually found deep in the northern Atlantic, and it is very unusual to see them so close to shore.
Researchers from the Whale Watch group say the animals need to leave the loch and appear to be underweight.
And today Steve Trulock, who took these spectacular photographs, said the whales’ plight filled him with dread.
“They seemed to be in a routine of travel into the head of the loch, log, tail slap, roll, spyhop and then breach,” he said.
“As spectacular as it is to see them it’s also very worrying.
“It was heartening to see just how many people in the local area are paying an interest.
“The dedication of all of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue volunteers who have been observing the whales since they arrived on our shores is to be commended and hopefully they won’t be required to deal with a stranding.”
The latest Joint Warrior military exercise will see armed forces from 11 nations in action from October 4, with ships due to start arriving on the Clyde tomorrow.
It is being co-ordinated from Faslane on the Gareloch, and the whales have regularly been seen close to the base in the last week.
Today a Royal Navy spokesperson said: “We are aware of the presence of northern bottlenose whales in the Gareloch and are in contact with British Divers Marine Life Rescue to see if we can provide assistance.
“The Royal Navy takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously and continues to work with the relevant UK authorities to ensure all practical measures required to reduce environmental risk and comply with legislation are taken.
“A necessary series of safety checks is observed and an environmental risk assessment is carried out before any underwater task is undertaken by the MoD, to minimise any potential risk to marine life.
“Exercise Joint Warrior participants will be made aware of the presence of the whales and the latest sightings we might have for them.
“All participants are aware that environmental protection remains a priority for the Exercise and we are prepared to amend the programme if these whales remain in an atypical situation.”
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