FIFE BEACHES CLOSED TO SWIMMERS

Two Fife beaches have been closed to swimmers due to high levels of bacteria in the water.

Bathers have been urged to stay away from Kinghorn Harbour and Burntisland until further notice.

This comes just days after hundreds of people headed to the beaches during a heatwave.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) found high levels of “faecal indicator organisms” in the waters.

The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, external has put up signs and warned that exposure to the harmful bacteria could cause illness.

Sepa detected high bacterial results during tests at Kinghorn and Burntisland.

A spokesperson said: “Our officers are currently investigating the cause of this high result and, if required, we will explore any mitigation measures.

“Further water samples will be taken from the bathing water to determine if there is any on-going impact.

“Advice against bathing will remain in place until Sepa are satisfied water quality is no longer impacted.”