Investigations into pollution affecting the Kinghorn Burn in Fife are continuing, with public health advice to avoid contact with the water remaining in place.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Water are working alongside partners including Fife Council, NHS Fife and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust to address the ongoing localised pollution issue and protect public health and the environment.

Further water quality samples taken by SEPA last week showed that pollution levels in the Kinghorn Burn remain high. As a result, visitors to the beach are being advised to avoid contact with the burn.

Temporary signage installed earlier this month at the location and at access points to Kinghorn Harbour is expected to remain in place for the duration of the bathing water season as a precautionary measure.

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Anyone who becomes unwell following contact with water from the burn, particularly experiencing symptoms including sickness, diarrhoea, stomach cramps or fever, has been advised to seek guidance from NHS Inform or contact NHS 24 on 111.

A SEPA spokesperson said: "SEPA has committed to increasing the frequency of sampling at the Kinghorn Burn in order to closely monitor bacterial levels in the watercourse and understand the full extent of the ongoing pollution pressure at this location.

"Precautionary health and safety advice for the public is likely to remain in place for the duration of the bathing water season."

Scottish Water said investigations across the local sewer network and wider underground drainage systems in Kinghorn are continuing as efforts are made to identify and address potential sources contributing to the elevated sample results.

A spokesperson for Scottish Water said: "Investigations across the local sewer network and wider underground drainage systems in Kinghorn are ongoing as we work to identify and address potential sources contributing to the elevated sample results.

"We recognise the continued high sample results identified through SEPA’s recent monitoring and understand the concern this will cause locally.

"This is a uniquely complex issue, and we are committed to continuing to work with partners and to engage with local stakeholders to deliver improvement for the community."