Loch Morlich beauty spot gets the all-clear from SEPA
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Badenoch and Strathspey's most popular bathing spot has been given the all-clear from blue-green algae which can make humans very ill and potentially be fatal to dogs.
The Scottish Environment Protection Team attended at Loch Morlich at Glenmore on Tuesday following reports of an outbreak at the beauty spot which is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people every year.
Signs had been erected at key locations around the loch warning visitors of the potential presence of the algae.
It is understood that a concerned local vet raised the possibility of the algae being present after a dog took ill showing symptoms of having been in contact with blue algae following a visit to the beauty spot.
A SEPA spokeswoman said: "A member of our team went to Loch Morlich on Tuesday to take a sample of the algae and none could be found. It might be that it has died back or it was a different form to Blue-Green algae.
"The signage which has been erected is the responsibility of Highland Council."
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) occur naturally in fresh waters in Scotland and throughout the world.
They are noticed when their concentrations increase to form 'blooms', when they collect on the shore line and when they form scums which can look like blue-green paint.
Blue-green algae occurs when temperatures are consistently warmer than usual, or when there is little wind and rain, as has been the case across the Highlands in recent weeks.
A Highland Council had told the Strathy before the all-clear: "The advisory signs went up on Monday after SEPA contacted our staff.
"Following the protocol we have in place, our staff contacted the landowner – Forestry Commission Scotland – before erecting the signs that say 'Blue-green Algae has been reported and until tests are completed as a sensible precaution people should avoid all contact with the algae and the surrounding scum for themselves and their pets.'"
She added: "Until we are told the results the signs will stay in place. You may want to check with them when they expect the results."
Seven signs in total were erected in key locations around the loch.
NHS Highland and Highland Council recently issued their own guidance because of the heightened risk posed by blue-green algae because of the prolonged bout of warm weather.
A NHS spokeswoman said: "We would like to take this opportunity to remind people to be aware of that during prolonged warm weather the chance of blue-green algae affecting water courses, particularly ponds, lochs and canals as well as rivers, increases significantly.
"Contact with blue-green algae can have human and animal health effects.
"Symptoms for humans including skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and pains in muscles and joints have occurred in some recreational users of water who swallowed or swam through algal scum.
"It is advised people avoid contact with the algal scum and the water close to it.
"The toxins, which may be produced by the algae, are also poisonous to animals and can cause severe illness and death.
"Farmers and pet owners should ensure that their animals do not have access to affected waters.
"The behaviour of algae is erratic and 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."
