Warning as ‘dead man’s fingers’ washes up in Argyll and Bute

People are being warned to look out for a poisonous plant which has washed up in Argyll and Bute.

Hemlock water dropwort was spotted along the shores of Loch Gilp around Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead.

The toxic plant resembles a parsnip and is also known as “dead man’s fingers”.

The sightings in Scotland come after sightings on beaches at Drigg and Parton in Cumbria.

The Millom Coastguard Rescue Team urged people to stay vigilant and said the plant was likely to have been washed up due to recent stormy weather.

Those looking after children and animals were told to take particular care.

On Sunday evening, Police Scotland said: “We have received a report of a poisonous plant known as hemlock root washing up in sporadic points along the shoreline of Loch Gilp in Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead.

“Members of the public are advised not touch the plant, and to keep animals away from the affected areas.”

Hemlock water dropwort can prove fatal to humans by attacking the nervous system and causing the body to shut down.

The plant is common in coastal areas and smells like parsley.