Otterly magical

How an unexpected guest changed one couple's lives

- JANINE YAQOOB

WHEN a sick otter washed up on Billy and Susan Mail's Shetland Islands jetty, they never dreamed it would become part of the family.

They nursed the orphaned and malnourished creature back to health and in return, she took them on a voyage of discovery about themselves.

Now, their incredible story has been turned into an award-nominated film.

Retired energy plant worker Billy, 57, became like a father to the otter, who he named Molly - a role he relished having had no children of his own.