Blue-green algae warning at Loch Garten

The Highland Council’s Environmental Health team are advising caution as blue-green algae has been found in Loch Garten.

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 the blue green algae can form blooms, which can release toxins into the water.

A verified identification of blue green algae has been made on the Bloomin’ Algae App at Loch Garten in the Cairngorms. 

Contact with blue-green algae can have health effects for humans and animals.  The Highland Council Environmental Health Department, in partnership with NHS Highland Public Health Department, SEPA and the RSPB are aware of the presence of blue green algae in the loch.  As a precautionary measure contact with the algal scum should be avoided by people and pets. 

The RSPB have posted notices around the loch warning that contact with the algal scum should be avoided. 

People can find more information about blue-green algae at Public Health Scotland's website - HPS Website - Blue-green algae (scot.nhs.uk)