Legionnaires' disease bugs uncovered at Holyrood

Published on Wednesday 28 January 2009 23:41

BACTERIA that can cause Legionnaires' disease was found in the water supply at the Scottish Parliament building seven months ago, it was revealed yesterday.

Officials insisted there had been no risk to anyone and said the contaminated source was immediately isolated and cleaned.

The bacteria was found in two "seldom-used" water outlets, not drinking taps, and traced to a hot-water tank inside 17th-century Queensberry House, officials said. The tank supplies water to the historic block and another building on the Canongate side of the parliament.

MSPs on Holyrood's housekeeping committee were informed last week. One member, Alex Johnstone, a Conservative, said: "It's been taken as a lesson for the future."

The bacteria – found naturally in hot and cold water – can lead to flu-like symptoms if inhaled as a vapour, but can prove fatal.

A parliament spokesman said the findings were not revealed to MSPs at the time because the risk was "not considered critical".