A GIANT fish carcass is continuing to rot on West Kilbride Beach.

The dead adult basking shark, believed to be the same 25ft creature discovered in September, has still not been removed.

A marine expert advised dogwalkers to keep their pets away from the putrid remains and warned members of the public against taking “souvenirs” from it, in October.

David Devoy, area coordinator at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and medic at Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS), told the Herald: “It’s not nice for dog walkers or people on the beach.

“The council are aware of it though. They’ll either put it in landfill or bury it where it is.

“Any time I’ve phoned the council for the removal of a dead seal or porpoise it does often take some time. This weighs about two-three tonnes so it’s going to be a logistical operation for them.

“It’s unusual for something this big to wash up here.”

Jack Lucas, a marine biologist and senior tutor at Field Studies Council Millport, said: “The shark is most likely the one that was reported to the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme back in September.”

A reader sent the Herald photographs of the sea creature, now decomposed beyond recognition, in which two little dogs can be seen investigating the decaying mass.

In October, a North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are working with partners, including SEPA, to determine the best way of disposing of the carcass.”