A DECOMPOSING fin whale that washed up in Culross earlier this year has started to decay quicker. 

The mammal, which was discovered on the shore between the village and the former Longannet Power Station site back in January has been left to decompose naturally. 

Now, 10 months later, decomposition has started to reveal the creature's vertebrae and ribs and the tides have spun the carcass 180 degrees.

An update from the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust said: "Degradation and decomposition of the carcass has accelerated.  Vertebrae and ribs are now clearly visible where the skin has come away from the skeleton; there are still soft organs visible and intact, albeit in an advanced state of decomposition.

"Overall, the carcass is decomposing slightly quicker than anticipated.  Skin still covers most of the carcass, although the dark outer layer is now peeling leaving lighter-coloured skin /fatty layer exposed.  

"Judging by the way the carcass remained intact and flexible enough to rotate on the tide there is still a considerable amount of sinew keeping the skeleton together, it may be some time before the skeleton actually becomes separated into individual bones.

The foul smell that had been reported as coming from the body has lessened, with the smell not being strongly detectable at less than 2m (or around 5 to 10m if downwind of the whale). 

They continued: "Given the advanced state of decomposition and the seasonally cooler weather, it seems unlikely that the odour will continue to present any significant issue to the local area beyond the Fife Coastal Path (FCP)."

Despite warning the public to stay away from the corpse, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust have said that they have reason to believe people are still going to see the whale. 

They said: "The illicit access point to the shoreline, adjacent to the interpretation panel and crossing the railway tracks has been opened further, the fencing wires have become bent as people are clearly forcing their way through the fence - this will need to be monitored and may require to be patched up if necessary."

As the carcass continues to decay it will be monitored by FCCT wardens and members of the public are advised not to access the shoreline.