Dog walkers have been issued with a warning after potentially fatal algae was found at two Scots beauty spots.
Pictures have show blue-green algae around Drumkinnon Bay on Loch Lomond and at Harlaw Reservoir in Edinburgh.
The algae, which is called cyanotoxin, can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and potentially fatal to dogs.
People exposed to the algae can develop a rash or become if they have swallowed it.
However, it can have a grave affect on dogs.
Owners are warned their pets should be kept out of the water where an algae bloom has appeared.
The bloom can appear as a blue-green scum on the surface of the water, sometimes resembling pea soup.
While not all algae species release dangerous toxins, there’s no way of telling which algae is toxic just by its appearance.
But blue-green algae can produce toxins that can kill dogs and other animals.
The algae is typically a problem during the warmer months but Pentland Hills Regional Park rangers, where Harlaw Reservoir is located, revealed there's "lots of it around at the moment".
Taking to social media, they said: "Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are naturally occurring photosynthetic organisms that range from unicellular and filamentous forms, to colony-forming species.
"It can be fatal to dogs if ingested, and can produce rashes on humans if swimming. Please avoid entering the water in areas where blue-green algae is present, and ensure your pet is on a lead if you cannot easily recall it."
