A SWAN whose mate died after being attacked has found safe haven in Musselburgh.

Bonnie was taken to a new home on the River Esk when she abandoned her nest at Figgate Park, Portobello, after losing her partner Clyde.

It appeared he had been in a fight with another male swan (cob) and had to be put to sleep.

Sarah Auldsmith, Scottish SPCA senior animal rescue officer, said: “We were contacted back in April about an injured swan at Figgate Park.

“It appeared a resident male swan, Clyde, had been in a fight with another male, resulting in a leg injury that made him unable to walk.

“Clyde had also had bad arthritis for a number of years, which had been slowly getting worse.

“This, coupled with him now being completely unable to stand, meant that he would not recover and the difficult decision was made to put him to sleep to end his suffering.”

She explained that Bonnie abandoned her nest about a month after losing Clyde.

“She had been doing her best to incubate them but without her partner, and with her constantly being attacked by the new male, the eggs were unfortunately not viable,” said Sarah.

“Bonnie was moved to Musselburgh a couple of weeks ago and seems to be getting on well in her new environment.

“We haven’t heard if she’s found a new mate yet but this is certainly a possibility as swans will often take up with another partner after their previous one has passed away.

“When she moved, Bonnie left her eggs in the nest and they have most likely been predated on since then.”

Photographer Angus Bathgate, from Wallyford, captured Bonnie on camera enjoying her new life on the Esk and it is thought she may have even have found love again, after being snapped with a new admirer.

Mr Bathgate said that during a visit to the Esk, he was told by someone who was involved with the welfare of the swans that Bonnie could be singled out by the identification number on her tag.

He added: “It made my day when Bonnie and her new mate chose to show their bonding together, which I captured on camera.”

Sarah appealed to the public: “If you discover any injured wildlife, please contact our helpline on 03000 999 999.”