Hundreds of fish found dead in Linlithgow Loch

The loch is a site of special interest and huge tourist attraction.

Linlithgow Palace, which sits next to the loch, is the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots and James V. It has been described as Scotland’s finest surviving late medieval secular building.

Mr Lambert asked Historic Environment Scotland, which owns the site, to send a ranger to remove the fish but was told he had been advised by Sepa to leave them until their investigation is complete.

A spokeswoman for Historic Environment Scotland said: “We continue to work closely with Sepa as they undertake an investigation.

“Our rangers are monitoring any further changes and, as a precaution, we would advise members of the public to avoid the area in question while further investigations take place.”

There are now concerns other wildlife could be poisoned by eating the fish, which were still there on Friday.

A spokeswoman for Sepa said: “We received reports of a number of dead fish found in Linlithgow Loch on 11 November and officers attended the site the following day.

“We continue to work with partners as we investigate potential causes for the incident.”

A Scottish Water spokesman said: “We have found no issues with any of our infrastructure in the area but will assist Sepa in any investigation that is carried out.”