COLOURFUL jellyfish pulsate in Scottish waters – but these beautiful creatures have a definite sting in the tail

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Stunning: A rare oceanic species of jellyfish with transparent skin

The purple and orange organisms have delicate tendrils which can land their victims in hospital.

A diver gets close to a mauve stinger and its several metre-long tentacles

The Outliers, a string of islands 50 miles off the Scottish coast, are home to dozens of the picturesque but dangerous jellyfish.

Experienced diver Matt Doggett, 36, from Southampton, dove into the sea teeming with the glowing creatures.

A lions mane jellyfish has a serious sting that can land the victim in hospital

One gorgeous jellyfish, a mauve stinger native to warm waters, is a rare visitor to the UK.

But they can be driven to the western coast of the British Isles as a result of global warming.

A mauve stinger is seen above the seabed as a seal swims in the background

The colourful jellies with four metre-long tentacles are dangerous for unprotected divers and can leave a painful sting to those who cross its path.

Luckily for Matt, he was protected by drysuits, hoods and gloves.

Dozens of unidentified jellyfish move together

He said: “Despite all the dive gear, you still have to be careful not to get a stinging tentacle in the face so you do approach them with care.

“Some tentacles can be several metres long and could sting you before you see the jellyfish.

The translucent gelatinous umbrella-shaped bell looks stunning in the dark water

“So we always took care to look around carefully and point them out to each other.

“It was interesting to see young fish taking shelter in the tentacles of the lion's mane and mauve stinger jellies which they use to stay safe from predators.”

A small unknown jellyfish hovers above sea plantation

One of the highlights was spotting the moon jellyfish - although these are not harmful to humans.

An unknown jellyfish pulsates in the water

Matt said: “The million moon jellies in Loch Duich were incredible and we returned the following day to photograph them and swim amongst them.

"As they do not sting it was a very relaxing, calming and enjoyable dive.

Beautiful but deadly: The mauve stinger can give human victims a painful sting

“Jellyfish are beautiful creatures both in colour and form and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to take time to show them looking at their finest.”