Rare early warning of harmful algae in island loch

Authorities in the Western Isles have issued a rare warning of a potentially harmful algal bloom on one of the islands' lochs.

Blue-green algae occurs naturally in warm weather across the UK, but alerts are more common in summer months.

The isles' council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said the warning it issued for Loch Triallabhat, Lewis, on Friday was earlier than in previous years.

The algae can look like scum, paint or jelly and is often green or blue in colour. It produces toxins that can cause skin irritations and sickness for humans, but can be fatal to animals.

The comhairle said it was alerted to the bloom by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.