A breath-taking video has captured a herd of deer gracefully swimming from the Scottish mainland to a nearby island.

Hans Unkles, 62, was fishing with his daughter, Lorna, 27, in Argyll and Bute on Monday (November 17) when they spotted the remarkable sight.

The group - five hinds and a stag - swam across the channel to Eilean Dubh, a small island known for its rich grazing and safe shelter.

Only their heads broke the water as they glided effortlessly across.

Hans, a fisherman from Tayvallich, Scotland, said: "I felt extremely lucky and privileged to witness and capture such a beautiful moment. "

"It really showcases Scotland's natural beauty at its finest."

"The deer swim across this channel from mainland Scotland to the small island of Eilean Dubh because it offers good grazing and shelter. "

"They often give birth and rear their young on these islands since there are fewer predators."

"The rut for stags takes place in October, so it's likely this particular stag had gathered his harem of hinds and was leading them to the island."

Even after years of fishing in the area, Hans said this was "by far the best example" he had ever seen of the majestic crossing."