 Aquarist Eilidh Spence beneath one of the nurse sharks |
A pair of tropical sharks, two spotted rays and hundreds of marine and freshwater species have descended on Loch Lomond Shores. The creatures are the first residents of a new �3.4m aquarium in the shell of Drumkinnon Tower on the bonnie banks.
Marine experts transferred them from transport tanks into 25 hi-tech displays on Wednesday.
The tourist attraction is expected to open in mid-July and draw 200,000 visitors each year to Loch Lomond.
The fish were driven through the night in two large trucks from a collection and quarantine facility in Weymouth, Dorset.
'Military precision'
Curator Brendan Malone said: "This is the day we have all been looking forward to.
"We have seen the aquarium gradually taking shape in the shell of Drumkinnon Tower.
"With the addition of hundreds of marine and freshwater creatures it will be brought to life in spectacular fashion."
He added: "The whole operation is conducted with almost military precision."
Simulated wreck
Two nurse sharks will be among the first residents of the centrepiece Ocean Tank.
The tank includes an underwater tunnel and simulated wreck of Clyde-built steamer SS Sea King.
The steamer sank in the Indian Ocean following service in the American navy.
The aquarium was developed on behalf of Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire by Sea Life and Dungeons operator Merlin Entertainments.
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