Public to avoid county lake after emergence of toxic algae

Woodland Trust Scotland does not own the lake but is responsible for the woodland and footpath adjacent to it

Similar advice was given back in 2021, when it closed the car park as a result of the algae's appearance.

The blue-green-coloured substance is known to fill the lake in warmer conditions, in particular when there is less rain as it is the lake's main source of water.

It can be fatal to animals, with people and their pets asked to avoid coming into contact with the water.

George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said: “We don’t own the lake but our wood is alongside it and many people use our carpark and paths to reach it.

"There is very little flow of water in and out of the lake, so nutrients build up.

"This makes toxic algal blooms inevitable in summer.

"With the recent warm weather and lack of rain the risk is once again high.

"This blue-green algae is a severe health risk to people and animals.

"Dogs especially should be kept away from the bankside.

"If they swim and then lick their coats it could kill them. It goes without saying that nobody should be entering the water for any reason. This is not a safe place to wild swim or paddle board.”

Mr Anderson also encouraged dog walkers to take their pets to other sites such as Butterdean Wood as a safe alternative.

A Council spokesperson said: “The Council’s Protective Services team have been working with land managers of Pressmennan Lake regarding advisory signage for people accessing the area.

"Blue-green algae occurs naturally in bodies of freshwater, but during periods of warmer, drier weather the algae can multiply rapidly particularly on still waters.

"This build up can appear as a froth or scum and can cause significant health concerns to both humans and animals.

"At this time people are advised to avoid entering the water and to also keep dogs away from the water and edges of the lake.”