Biotoxins detected in Loch Eishort

Highland Council’s Environmental Health team has identified raised levels of naturally occurring bivalve shellfish biotoxins following routine monitoring at Loch Eishort off south Skye.

The local authority has warned people not to eat shellfish caught in the area.

The council said commercial shellfish providers have been made aware.

Credit – Highland Council

Loch Eishort Mussel Culture operates out of Drumfearn at the head of the Loch and is run by Peter MacAskill.

Speaking to Radio Skye, he said:

“This is an annual occurrence. It is to do with algal blooms along the West Coast during the summer months.

“We have to stop harvesting until it subsides to a lower level.

“It has a big impact on us during the summer season when demand is high for mussels. We have supplied eateries in Skye, Lochalsh and the mainland for the last 40 years.”