'Toxic' blue-green algae discovered in Loch Flemington between Inverness and Nairn
INVESTIGATIONS are under way to assess any potential danger after blue-green algae was found in a loch east of Inverness.
People are being advised to use caution following the discovery of the potentially toxic algae in Loch Flemington, which sits between Inverness and Nairn.
During the summer months, the chance of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) affecting water courses, particularly ponds, lochs and canals (as well as rivers), increases significantly. Sometimes this algae can form blooms, which can release toxins into the water that can be dangerous, or even deadly, to animals and people.
Indeed, an infamous blue-green algal bloom in the same loch once killed every trout in it in a single day in 1995.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: "The situation [at Loch Flemington] is being investigated by the council’s environmental health team, in partnership with NHS Highland Public Health and wider colleagues.
"As a precautionary measure contact with the algal scum should be avoided by people and pets. Notices will be posted next to the loch warning that contact with the algal scum should be avoided."
Blue-green algae exist in fresh waters in Great Britain and throughout the world; they are noticed when their concentrations increase to form “blooms” and when they form scums – looking like blue-green paint – or when they collect on the shore line.
Some blue-green algae may give rise to adverse medical effects – but not always. Effects on people coming into contact with toxic scums include skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever and pains in muscles and joints. Toxic algae have caused deaths of livestock and dogs, waterbirds and fish.
The council said the actions currently taken at Loch Flemington are precautionary.
"The behaviour of algae is erratic," said the spokesperson. "The level of its toxicity can fluctuate; it can appear one day, be dispersed by the wind and mixing and re-accumulate at any time."
You can find more information about blue-green algae at Public Health Scotland's website.
