North-east residents have grown accustomed to enjoying marine visitors in recent times.
But yesterday, it wasn’t dolphins or humpback whales, but a Norwegian submarine which had been taking part in a NATO exercise which unexpectedly arrived in Aberdeen Harbour.
Passers-by watched on in astonishment as the top of the HNoMS Utsira rose above the water for the first time and many took to social media to speculate what the vessel was doing there.
One person joked: “Russians on way to Syria via Norway, detour for some rowies?” while another remarked: “Thought I had spotted a humpback whale off Aberdeen this morning – what’s this boy up to?”
The vessel had been in Scottish waters as part of Joint Warrior – a UK-led exercise conducted in the spring and autumn.
A total of 5,700 military personnel from armed forces around the world are taking part in the proceedings – alongside 31 warships and submarines, in addition to 67 aircraft.
Richard Greenhowe, who runs Aberdeen Harbour Tours, revealed last night that more naval vessels are expected in the locale today.
He said: “There is one submarine here now and another is coming in during the night.
“There will be around eight to 10 navy boats in tomorrow, not just Norwegian ones but different ones from all over.
“They are coming down from a NATO exercise in the Moray Firth.”
The submarine is one of six Ulla class types which were constructed in Norway by Kongsberg in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
It first took to the water in November 1991.
And while that might be all of 25 years ago, these craft still evoke a sense of wonder.
