Public warned to avoid polluted water at Fife beach

Environmental inspectors have warned the public to avoid entering the water at a beach in Fife due to "localised pollution" in a stream.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said water quality in the Kinghorn Burn had been found to be "intermittently poor" during recent testing.

The watchdog said the water, which flows under the town into Kinghorn harbour beach, could be a risk to human and animal health.

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said local water quality issues had been "uniquely complex and challenging".

Temporary signage has been placed around the beach warning against coming into contact with the water until the quality improves.

Anyone who becomes unwell following contact with the water is asked to seek medical advice from NHS24.

A Sepa spokesperson said: "The need for precautionary advice about the water quality in the burn will be kept under review.

"Scheduled sampling of the bathing water will continue as normal and public advice will be updated if any issues at the bathing water are identified."

Last month, Sepa warned bathers to avoid entering the sea at Portobello in Edinburgh – on the other side of the Firth of Forth – due to an ongoing pollution incident.

A separate warning has been issued for bathers between Saltcoats and Ardrossan over simiar issues.

The exact nature of the incident in Fife is unknown.

Scottish Water said "active investigations" were being carried out across the sewer network to identify potential sources of pollution.

A spokesperson added: "Water quality issues at Kinghorn Harbour beach have been uniquely complex and challenging, but we are committed to continuing work with partners to deliver improvement."