THE National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross housed some of the Scottish SPCA's most unusual animal rescues throughout 2019.

The animal welfare organisation revealed an orphaned otter, an adventurous seal pup and an unlucky fox were all taken to the Wee County site to be cared for last year.

And in an online post, the organisation has also revealed more details of how its unusual guests ended up in Clacks.

The tiny otter pup was picked up by a member of the public who spotted it on a street in Inverurie.

It was suspected the youngster had become separated from his mother due to flooding.

It will now being cared for in Clacks until it turns two years old – the age at which it would leave its mother – before being release back into the wild.

The adventurous seal pup was also spotted by a member of the public in an unusual place: a carpark in Greenock.

Incredibly, the tot had managed to make its way up a set of steps of a nearby harbour, before shuffling along the promenade and into the carpark.

Jan Torman, senior animal rescue officer, said: "The fact the seal managed to negotiate these obstacles was incredible.

"The pup was very young, aged between two and three weeks old.

"The poor thing was severely underweight so we immediately took it to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre to receive the care she needed.

"She has put on weight and we plan on releasing her very soon when the weather improves."

The unlucky fox had a slightly more difficult time before being brought to the Wee County.

After falling into the Water of Leith in Edinburgh, the exhausted animal was spotted keeping itself afloat by clinging to some debris floating on the surface.

With the help of the fire service and coastguard, animal rescue officers managed to reach it by boat.

It was then brought to Clacks for three days of badly needed rest and recovery, before being released back into the wild.

The National Wildlife Rescue Centre was purpose built in 2012 to deal with the growing number of wildlife the Scottish SPCA helps ever year.

According to the organisation's website: "From pigeons to peregrines and from seals to swans, the centre and our expert wildlife team are equipped to treat thousands of animals at any given time."

Donations of food, treats, or any other items which could help care for animals are always welcomed by the centre's staff.

To find out more information, visit tinyurl.com/sgnaasr.