Swim Loch Tay is off after toxic bacteria found
Blue green algae scuppers huge event
A massive swimming event in Perthshire has been cancelled after the discovery of a toxic bacteria in a loch.
Organisers of Swim Loch Tay said they were “devastated” to confirm the meet would not take place on Saturday, September 18 after an outbreak of bluegreen algae in the water.
The swim had been organised by Tay Fitness Events, the group behind the likes of the Killin 5k and 10k and the Loch 2 Lawers 10k and half marathon, which will go ahead as planned on Sunday, September 19.
In a post on the website, organiser Pete Waugh said: “We are devastated to announce that this year’s Swim Loch Tay at Loch Tay Highland Lodges, due to take place on Saturday, September 18, has been cancelled.
“Unfortunately, several very large blooms of blue-green algae have developed around the marina at Loch Tay Highland Lodges, specifically at points that are used for entry to and exit from the loch, as well as out in the main body of the loch.
“This is a completely natural phenomenon, which we have no control over.
“We have therefore been left with no alternative but to cancel this year’s event.
“We understand and share the disappointment of this news but we are sure you will appreciate that our top priority, as in all our events, is the safety of our participants.”
Participants have been automatically rolled over to next year’s event on September 17, 2022, although those who cannot make it have been told they can request a refund, less a 10 per cent admin fee.
Registered swimmers are being asked to check an email they were sent on Sunday,
September 5.
Those who had booked accommodation at Loch Tay Highland Lodges, which is also the starting point of the swim, are asked to contact it directly.
Swim Loch Tay started in 2019. It sees swimmers take on routes ranging from 250 metres to five kilometres.
Blue-green algae is not an actual algae but a bacteria known as cyanobacteria.
It can produce toxic chemicals that are “very harmful to the health of people and animals,” according to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
The group’s website states: “Effects on people coming into contact with toxic scums include skin rashes, eye irritations, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever and pains in muscles and joints.
“Blue-green algae have caused the deaths of dogs, horses, cattle, birds and fish across the UK.”
The PA reported earlier this year that it had also been discovered in Loch Earn.