Just under two months ago, one real-life mermaid suffered horrific wounds in an unprecedented attack launched by a giant fish while she performed in front of families and small children.

So unless humans take real action to help save manatees, mermaid "sightings" and fantasies may begin to fade away - right along with the creatures that inspired the myth.

Kate Macleod, also known as The Hebridean Mermaid, will explore waters surrounding the Western Isles in a new-series.