Annemarie Simpson, 40, was left stunned after she discovered the porbeagle shark while out walking in Wick at around 4.30pm on Wednesday.
11:20, 23 Oct 2025Updated 11:39, 23 Oct 2025
The shark was discovered near the shore in Wick(Image: Supplied)
A huge six-foot shark has been discovered washed up dead on rocks in Caithness.
Annemarie Simpson, 40, was left stunned after she discovered the porbeagle shark while out walking in Wick. Annemarie, who is from nearby Papigoe, was travelling along a scenic coastal route when she discovered the beast at around 4.30pm on Wednesday.
In pictures shared with the Record, the bloodied animal could be seen laid on an area of flat rocks near the shore. The social care assistant measured the shark at five feet 10 inches before reporting the find to marine authorities.
The shark was found bloodied lying on rocks(Image: Supplied)
Speaking to the Record, Annemarie said: “We live in Papigoe and walk this route daily. It’s not uncommon to find a porpoise or a Risso’s dolphin on the shore in Caithness – but a porbeagle shark, although known in our waters, is definitely a much rarer find onshore.
“I often look at the shore to see what’s been washed in but it’s usually just rope, wood and creels but I spotted a fin on the rocks, its tail was vertical indicating a shark rather than the more commonly found porpoise or risso so excitedly I called to my partner Kev and we went to explore a bit closer.
Annemarie picture with her partner Kevin Stewart(Image: Supplied)
“I presume it washed up already dead it is very fresh. There’s no obvious wounds. I suspect the blood is from being thrown on the rocks and in the early stage of decomposition.”
Porbeagle sharks are among the most powerful marine predators found in northern Scottish waters. Native to the North Atlantic, the porbeagle is a close relative of the great white, thriving in the cool, temperate seas around the British Isles.
Annmarie was left stunned by the find(Image: Supplied)
Known for their torpedo-shaped bodies and muscular build, they are built for speed, capable of sudden bursts to chase down prey such as mackerel, herring and squid.
Porbeagles are regularly recorded off the north and west coasts of Scotland, including the Pentland Firth and waters around Caithness, Orkney and Shetland.
The find was reported to the relevant authorities(Image: Supplied)
Annemarie added: “It was an exciting find and interesting to see in the flesh – although I much prefer seeing them alive in the sea where they belong.
“It’s attracting a fair crowd, the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme are coming out later to take a sample to get more information on cause of death, condition and age.”
The Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme have been contacted by the Record for comment.