Environmental experts are investigating an oil spill in the Water of Leith after receiving dozens of reports about a concerning smell and glossy appearance of the water from Saturday, January 21.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that officers are investigating the 'oil spill' in Leith and are working with Scottish Water to establish the source.
READ MORE: New multi-storey Edinburgh flats to be built on site of old GP surgery
Oil has been seen in the Water of Leith from Great Junction Steps down to the Shore. The incident has been linked to an oil spill at the Magdala Steps further upstream. Worrying images show a group of ducks gliding through the contaminated water.
One concerned resident said: "Recent diesel pollution on the Water of Leith coming from further up the river highlights the issue with the basins. Without flowing water, the Shore is the resting place for everything coming down."
A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “SEPA has received reports from members of the public of oil pollution in the Water of Leith on Saturday, 21 January.
"Officers are investigating and are aware of oil that was coming from a drain near Magdala Crescent."
Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
They added: “Oil may still be visible further downstream. Our investigation to establish the source continues and we are liaising with partners.
“We would encourage anyone with information to contact SEPA via the Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60 or online at www.sepa.org.uk/report.”
We'll bring you more on this breaking news story as it happens. In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
READ NEXT:
Plush Edinburgh city centre hotel launches completely free 'warm workspaces'
Edinburgh Airport welcomes new daily flight to tourist hotspot this summer
East Lothian snapper captures mesmerising Northern Lights from local beach
Photos show progress of former Edinburgh clinic being transformed into flats
Edinburgh detectives appeal for information following 'knife attack' in capital
