The presence of bottlenose dolphins off Scotland's east coast has helped generate 'at least £4m' through tourism spending, according to new research.

A report from the Moray Firth Partnership has found that more than 52,000 overnight visitors travelled to the east coast, with 17,100 of these citing dolphin watching as a main reason. Scottish environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Dolphins are much loved inhabitants of Scotland's eastern waters and it is little wonder that many thousands of people plan especially to see them.

"While dolphins directly add to our tourist income, they are also a delightful symbol of this unique and special environment which we protect, develop and enjoy."