How afraid should we be of Scotland's jellyfish?
As Scotland enters peak jellyfish season, experts explain that rising sea temperatures and ocean currents are driving the increase in sightings. While some beachgoers fear the creatures, marine biologists emphasize their role in the ecosystem and their status as mesmerizing, albeit stinging, inhabitants of the coast.
Why it matters
Understanding seasonal marine life patterns is essential for public safety and environmental awareness in coastal regions experiencing climate-related shifts.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Claire Thomson BBC Scotland R.S. McLaren Photography July and August are peak months for jellyfish sightings in Scotland When scuba diver and underwater photographer Ross McLaren encountered a jellyfish for the first time, he said all he felt was "sheer terror".
"I was diving in the Clyde and one of the instructors had to pull me out of the way of the tentacles as it was wafting above me," he said.
McLaren ended up with a sting across his upper lip but said it did not stop him from wanting to dive.
Many people are scared of jellyfish due to the fear of painful stings and the creature's unpredictable nature in the water.
But McLaren, who lives near the coast in North Ayrshire, believes there is more to the brainless, heartless and boneless invertebrates than people might think.
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