The rotting 30-tonne carcase of a sperm whale on the banks of the Firth of Forth is causing major problems for council officials.

They are trying to figure out a way to dispose of the 33ft long sperm whale, which became beached on the foreshore at Hopetoun House, near South Queensferry, on Tuesday.

Managers at Hopetoun House closed the beached to the public after the mammal was stranded.

It is about 10 minutes walk from the nearest road which is causing problems with access for a removal vehicle.

The beach is closed to the public

The stinking corpse is unlikely to be removed before Friday.

Several options are being considered by West Lothian Council.

Spokesman Andrew Blake said: "We would urge the public to stay away from the beach.

"Hopetoun House have closed the beach temporarily to allow the removal of the animal but it has started to decompose and the sooner it can be removed the better for all."

Once taken from the beach, the whale is likely to end up in a landfill site.