PEOPLE have been warned against taking a dip in two beaches in Fife due to pollution.
Kinghorn Harbour and Burntisland have been closed until further notice after high levels of bacteria were found in the water.
It comes just days after Scotland experienced a heatwave which saw hundreds of people heading to the beaches.
On Thursday, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said it had found high levels of "faecal indicator organisms" during tests in the waters, STV News reports.
Sepa regularly carries out tests in Scotland's waters for E. coli and instestinal enterococci, known as "faecal indicator organisms".
If these bacteria are detected, further tests are conducted to find the cause of the pollution.
Meanwhile, the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust has put up signs at key access points and has warned people that exposure to the harmful bacteria could cause illness.
Members of the public have been told to avoid entering the sea or streams running into both beaches.
The trust also urged people to keep pets away from the water and to wash hands and footwear after visiting the area.
The guidance also states that people should not take anything home from the beaches or consume shellfish collected from the area, and to wash hands before eating and drinking.
A Sepa spokesperson said: ”Sepa are aware of high bacterial results at Kinghorn and Burntisland bathing waters.
“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 ongoing impact.
“Sepa's electronic sign at Kinghorn has been changed to advise against bathing and paddling. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust will be placing signs at both bathing waters to notify users of the high results and to avoid bathing and paddling.
“Advice against bathing will remain in place until Sepa are satisfied that water quality is no longer impacted.”
Fife Council told STV News it is working with the Coast and Countryside Trust to share information on the issue.
