False alarm after Great White Shark warning in Highland town

It was meant for Fortrose in New Zealand instead...

Author: Joe OdberPublished 8th Dec 2023
Last updated 8th Dec 2023

People in the Highland town in Fortrose got a fright this week when they were sent an email telling them there was a Great White Shark off the coast.

But it turned out the Google alert had actually been intended for the town of Fortrose in New Zealand, not the Black Isle.

A fisheries tag from one of the fearsome fish had become detached and had ended up a beach, sparking a hunt from locals.

The tag was eventually recovered by a dog and his owner.

Despite a number of possible sightings over the years - including off the Western Isles and Dunnet Head in the far north of Scotland - there has never been a confirmed sighting of a Great White Shark in British waters.

But scientists say it prospect is more than likely as sea temperatures rise with global warming.

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