Brown scum is from algae

Scientists from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) have determined that a brown scum found at Belhaven Bay recently has been caused by elevated levels of algae.

The recent fine weather has contributed to the growth in the bay, as well as blooms of other nuisance species reported in the Firth of Forth.

Chris Gall of Sepa said: "The brown scum is made up of naturally occurring algae and diatoms.

"There is no effect on the bathing water at Belhaven Bay, which is of excellent quality."