Hot summer leading to 'toxic' algae

[Hogg]

Potentially toxic algae is blooming in rivers and lochs during Scotland's long, hot summer, scientists have warned.

Blue-green algae, which poses a health risk to humans and animals, has flourished during the warm spell.

The algae has reportedly led to the death of two dogs after they ingested the substance earlier this summer.

Now scientists are urging people to record sightings of the algae in a bid to speed up response times.

Freshwater ecologist Prof Laurence Carvalho said blue-green algae had been a particular problem this summer.

"Not only has it been very warm but it has also been very dry, which means they have not been flushed out of water courses by rain," he said.

It is posing a particular risk to dogs who appear to be attracted by the smell, he added.

Earlier this month a dog reportedly died from algae poisoning after drinking water from the River Conon, near Maryburgh in the Highlands.

A similar incident is reported to have happened in Loch Awe in May.