At a meeting in the town’s Burgh Halls on Monday night, he said it would take a “multi-agency” approach to tackle the water quality at the beauty spot.

The loch was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1984. However, since then, pollution has significantly reduced the quality of the water. There are too many nutrients in the freshwater loch, with phosphorus, chloride and nitrogen levels all being too high.

Cyanobacterial blooms have caused significant damage to the loch’s recreational and conservational value and pose a threat to its continued SSSI status.

MSP Lorna Slater hosted the meeting on Monday, which was also attended by MSP Fiona Hyslop, the town’s local councillors and many residents who live close to the loch.

Having held the first meeting of the management group a few weeks ago, Craig Mearns was also on hand to share their plan of action.

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