AN INJURED seal pup spotted on a Dunbar beach has spent Christmas at the Scottish SPCA’s Wildlife Centre near Alloa.

Resident Gary Donaldson noticed the seal pup on Dunbar’s East Beach last Wednesday morning and contacted the SSPCA – but not before giving it some fish from a local fishmonger!

He was walking his two Westies at about 8.30am when another couple of dog walkers pointed out there was a seal on the beach towards the golf club.

Gary said: “They said it had been reported and we went along there. The wee guy was on the beach and was not very happy.

“I sat with him for about 10 to 15 minutes to see if he would go back in the water but he was really struggling. He made a mark in the sand where he tried to roll over but was struggling.”

Gary contacted the SSPCA and gave them directions to where the seal was before getting fish from a local fishmonger.

He then assisted SSPCA officers who attended and took the seal pup away for treatment.

Colin Seddon, Scottish SPCA wildlife centre manager, said: “The seal pup has numerous wounds on his hind flippers and upper body, along with swelling around his face.

“These were either caused by another seal or through being bashed on rocks due to stormy seas. He has been named Kevan and is about six weeks old.

“He is quite poorly at the moment so he’s on fluid therapy. If his recovery goes well, he should be released in two months.”

It is the second time in a matter of weeks that a seal pup has been found stranded near Dunbar.

Earlier this month, stunned surfers found a pup at least 60 metres along the path leading to a car park at John Muir Country Park. It was also taken to the SSPCA’s Wildlife Centre.

READ MORE: Seal pup stuns surfers as it strays along coastal path

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal should contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.