Shellfish toxins warning at Ross-shire loch
A WARNING has been issued following the discovery of high levels of potentially health threatening toxins in a Ross-shire loch.
The Highland Council’s environmental health team has identified raised levels of naturally occurring algal toxins following routine monitoring at Loch Ewe in Wester Ross and at the Dornoch Firth.
Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels, scallops, oysters or razor fish from these areas may pose a health risk.
Warning notices for the public and casual gatherers have been posted at various locations on the shore. Commercial shellfish harvesters in the area have been contacted by the council, with steps taken to postpone harvesting until algae levels subside.
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: "As a sensible precaution, people should avoid eating shellfish from this area until further notice. Monitoring work continues and, when levels subside, the warning notices will be removed."