Potentially dangerous blue green algae confirmed at Cairngorm beauty spot

Signs warning of blue green algae have gone up at Loch Morlich following confirmation of potentially dangerous blooms.

But there is some frustration about the lack of Scottish Environment Protection Agency tests to monitor the situation.

Keith Taylor, who runs the Boathouse at the beach, said: “It’s such a shame that the SEPA laboratories are all shut during the Covid-19 lockdown.

“That means the authority can’t give us the all clear and set people’s minds at rest. It would be a big help.”

Highland Council has confirmed blooms of the algae at certain spots on the loch.

Mr Taylor agreed that people – especially dog owners – had to be sharp-eyed as their pets could be severely affected, even lethally so, if even scum from the growth is ingested.

He said: “Watersports folk aren’t so much in the firing line. If you’re in a canoe or a kayak you’re out of the water anyway, and even on paddle-boards you’re not really in the firing line.

“But swimmers need to look out. The algae is so volatile and can build up just about anywhere in the right circumstances. The cautionary principle is the order of the day on the beach.”

The forecast for this coming week is cooler than normal which could help ease the problem.

A council spokesperson said that samples from the loch has been confirmed as blue-green algae and warning notices had now been posted at Loch Morlich beach.

The council’s environmental health department and NHS Highland public health officers carried out the checks after the first reports on Saturday afternoon.

The spokesperson said: “As a precautionary measure contact with the algal scum should be avoided by people and pets.

“Notices have been posted next to the loch warning that contact with the algal scum should be avoided.”

More than one million people a year visit the loch, Glenmore and wider Cairngorm area.

The behaviour of the algae is erratic and blooms can come and go in a short space of time.

Health effects on people coming into contact with toxic scums include skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever and pains in muscles and joints.

The algae can be fatal if digested for dogs, livestock, bird life and fish.

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