Do you want to find out more about the creatures in our seas? Our SPECIES SPOTLIGHT series will take a closer look at the charismatic marine megafauna in Scottish waters.

This week will be talking all things minke and basking shark - come along and ask your questions, share stories of your encounters, and hear all about the newly designated Marine Protected Area in the Sea of the Hebrides - a global first for these mobile species.

Minke whales are the smallest baleen whale found in UK waters, but the second most frequently reported species on Whale Track. What have we learnt about the mysterious minke whale in recent years? Where and when are you most likely to spot one? How do you know if you have seen a minke or another type of whale? Tune in to find out!

Basking sharks are the second largest fish in the world, and often spotted in Hebridean seas. Do you know how to tell a shark from a whale? Do you want to know what threats these gentle giants face?

Species Champion Craig Mackie will take a closer look atone of his favourite species - the minke whale. Craig was Ardnamurchan Lighthouse volunteer with HWDT in 2018, and spotted many while on watch at the foghorn. Craig is studying Marine Science at the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban.

Species Champion Tierney Carter will talk to us about basking sharks. Ardnamurchan Lighthouse volunteer in 2019, Tierney has just completed her masters degree in Marine Mammal Science. Currently working as a Marine Mammal Observer Tierney will join us from Taiwan!

We want our events to be as accessible as possible, so we are asking you to pay what you like. Your donations will support the charitable work of HWDT.

HWDT's community engagement programme is supported by the #NationalLotteryHeritageFund.