Rare seagrass 'fairy circles' discovered in the Hebrides

Seagrass "fairy circles" have been discovered on the seabed in the Sound of Barra in the Western Isles.

Scotland's nature body NatureScot said it was not known why the plants grew in circular shapes, but added that the formations were rarely seen.

Seagrass usually grows in dense "meadows" and provides important habitat for fish and other marine life.

It once grew so abundantly it was used for thatching houses in Orkney, but NatureScot said the habitat had suffered wide-scale losses in both the 20th and 21st centuries.

Sarah Cunningham, NatureScot's marine protected area and marine enhancement manager, said the organisation's monitoring team had nicknamed the circles seagrass doughnuts.

"Whatever you call them, they're spectacular," she said.

"Seagrass is a wonder habitat, often likened to the rainforest because of its effect on nature and the climate.

"The lush meadows it creates are home to an amazing array of wildlife. Their leaves and roots also trap carbon, helping tackle the climate crisis."