A CROWD of around 150 nature-lovers got the unique opportunity to see seals returned to the wild on Saturday.

Hessilhead Wildlife Reserve Centre have nursed the creatures back to health after finding them undernourished and unwell a few months ago.

The names of the four seals released into the Firth of Clyde are Earth, Capella, Leo and Eclipse.

Wildlife watchers were given a treat as the seals played around the perimeter of the old stone harbour area at Portencross as they returned to the water.

A Hessilhead Centre spokesperson said: "It was great to see

"They loved the attention and were quite inquisitive with those looking on before heading off out into the open waters.

"The seals all came into the centre very underweight - 12-15 kilos - and they should all be around 30 kilos at their age.

"One of them had a deep wound and she still has a scar on her back.

"We have also tagged all four seats which is quite exciting as we have never done anything like this before.

"We are part of a European wildlife seal conservation group with seal rehabilitation centres all over so we can keep track of where the seals eventually end up.

"We know that some released from Scotland can travel long distances as far as France, Denmark and Germany.

"There are big colonies in Arran, the Cumbraes and at Seamill - so it will be interesting to see if any stay local or travel further afield."