Pollution alert to park dog walkers

Warning issued after effluent spotted pouring into burn

Dogs and children are being put at risk by pollution at a popular Perthshire park, it has been claimed. Sepa is investigating contamination at waters in Quarrymill, on the edge of Perth. Officers believe a stream running through the woodland site has been polluted with effluent from a farm. Residents raised the alarm when they saw stinking sludge pouring from a pipe into the water, near Scone Old Parish Church. The Dog Friendly Perthshire tourism campaign has warned followers about the hazard and has called for warning signs to be erected to notify owners out walking their pets. There are also concerns about the health of children who have been swimming at the park during the recent hot weather.

I know of two dogs which have been sick after swimming at Quarrymill in the last week or so. KATE MCCANDLESS THOMAS

Scotland’s environment watchdog Sepa is probing pollution fears at a Perthshire beauty spot. At least two dogs have fallen ill after swimming in contaminated waters at Quarrymill, on the edge of Perth. There are worries for scores of schoolchildren who have been splashing about at the woodland attraction during the hot weather. There are now calls to install warning signs at the water’s edge to alert the public to potential dangers. Sepa investigators have taken samples from the water, which they believe has been contaminated with waste from a nearby farm. A spokesman said: “In response to reports of pollution in the watercourse at Quarrymill, beside Scone, Sepa environment protection officers have conducted sampling and are fully investigating.” He said: “While early indications point to farm effluent as opposed to sewage, officers are focused on resolving the incident.” The recently established Dog Friendly Perthshire campaign issued a warning to its followers on social media. Kate McCandless Thomas, who launched the tourism group, said: “It’s very worrying. I know of two dogs which have been sick after swimming at Quarrymill in the last week or so. “One was a spaniel who is regularly walked there. His owner said he had become tired and listless, but she thought it was maybe something to do with the hot weather. “But then she heard about the pollution in the water and she realised what was wrong.” She said: “Quarrymill is heaving in the summer time, particularly this year because the weather has been so good. “Whenever the sun has been out, the water has been full of children. “I can’t believe that there hasn’t been any signs up to let people know about the dangers.” Despite being first contacted for a comment at 8.30am yesterday, Perth and Kinross Council failed to respond to the concerns. The woodland park dates back to the 14th Century. The earliest records about the site, a former quarry, show a letter from Robert King of Scots to the monks at Scone Abbey, requesting permission to use stone from the area for the Kirk of Perth and bridges of Perth and Earn.