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Arran seal sculpture washed away in storm found

The Corrie Hotel Clyde the Seal sculptureThe Corrie Hotel
Clyde was found on the Isle of Bute

A wooden seal sculpture which was washed away from the Isle of Arran during Storm Isha has been found on the Isle of Bute.

Clyde the seal is said to be a "focal point" in the village of Corrie.

The seal was spotted near Lubas Bay beach by a holiday home owner after media coverage.

The Corrie Hotel, near the boulder from which Clyde vanished, launched a rescue mission last week to bring him home.

And co-owner Rodger Meadows said locals would be "over the moon" to have him back.

The Corrie Hotel Rodger Meadows and the sculptureThe Corrie Hotel
Rodger Meadows took three ferries to track down the sculpture

He told BBC Scotland News: "A guy who has a holiday home on Bute heard the piece on the radio and sent us a pin of the location.

"We knew it was him because there's not many wooden seals kicking about.

"He needs a bit of TLC, he's been battered has a lost fin and bit of his tail but Marvin will be able to sort him out."

The wooden seal was carved by Arran-based sculptor Marvin Elliott.

Lorna Hollingworth Clyde the Seal sculptureLorna Hollingworth
The sculpture normally sits on a boulder close to the Corrie Hotel

The seal has disappeared and been returned several times before and has ended up as far away as Troon and Turnberry.

And Mr Meadows said he was still apprehensive after getting the news.

He added: "We were very excited but we were concerned that the weather and high tides could wash him away again.

"We needed to get here as soon as we could, and this was the first opportunity we had."

After a journey which has taken him on three different ferries and through two muddy fields, Mr Meadows hopes to have Clyde back home on the island later.