Earlier this month, the Scottish SPCA received a call to their animal helpline after a member of the public became concerned about the welfare of a swan spotted with a baseball cap tangled around her foot.

With the assistance of two members of the public, officers managed to resolve the incident.

Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue Officer Melissa Maitland said, “The poor swan had been tangled up for some time.

“Two very kind gentlemen, Calum Mckay and Jim Mckenna, from the Malt and Hops pub, volunteered to take us out on their boat to rescue the swan.

“My colleague Sarah Auldsmith and I went out on the water to catch the swan which proved tough as she was so quick!

“After several attempts of trying to catch her Darren Malcolm, another colleague, saved the day and was able to grab her with the swan hook from the river bank. He cut the cap off and she was quickly released back to her partner and settled back into her nest with eggs.

“We’re all so glad we could help her and it’s great to see her back in the water, where she belongs.”

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

+ posts

John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.