Warning not to eat shellfish gathered at beach

A shellfish health warning has been issued over a famous beauty spot in the Outer Hebrides – which has the only scheduled beach runway in the world.

Monitoring work undertaken on behalf of the Food Standards Agency has identified raised levels of shellfish toxins at Traigh Mhor on the Isle of Barra.

“Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels or razor fish from these areas may pose a risk to human health.

“And notices to warn the public and casual gatherers have been posted at various locations on the shore,”

“Postpone harvesting until algae levels subside”

said a spokesman for Western Isles Council.

“Commercial shellfish harvesters in these areas have been contacted by the council and steps taken to postpone harvesting until algae levels subside.

“It is a sensible precaution to avoid eating shellfish from these areas until further notice.

“The council is monitoring the situation and will remove warning notices when it improves.”

With its spectacular beach landing at Traigh Mhor, Barra is usually a bucket list flight for thousands of passengers each year.

Barra is the only scheduled service beach landing in the world and has regularly featured in films, adverts and magazines.

Last year Barra Airport was again named as being among the world’s most scenic airports.

Barra came second on the list of 10, topped by Donegal Airport in Ireland with Nice Cote d’Azur in France, third, according to the poll by PrivateFly.