Fish now thrive in the Clyde

THE River Clyde in Glasgow - once legendary for its filthy water - is now home to a vast range of fish species, according to environmental experts.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) found that despite the Clyde's long history of industrial use, it is now healthier than many realise.

During a Sepa study this spring, investigators found presence of shoals of perch and flounder, as well as sticklebacks, and migrating salmon stoats. There was also evidence of elvers and lampreys passing through the city-centre river.

Myles O'Reilly, a senior specialist scientist at Sepa, said: "It's clear that the river supports populations of resident and migratory fish even in the middle of the city."

A similar study on the River Forth found 14 different species of fish. Among the more colourful fish observed was a young tub gurnard, while scientists also caught a Sea Mouse, a marine worm found in the North Atlantic, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean.