Loch Leven Matters

Loch Leven Matters - Free water quality science events 11-13 June 2025!

When high levels of nutrients from runoff or wastewater enter our lochs, it affects the natural balance of the ecosystem, and can cause harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms can kill aquatic life and produce toxins that affect the health of people and animals.

As scientists, we can suggest solutions to water quality problems but often we don’t understand how the quality of Loch Leven affects the day-to-day lives of local people. At the same time, the lack of public awareness on harmful algal blooms is still widespread, with dogwalkers letting their dogs enter possibly toxic water despite warnings being displayed.

Algal blooms are increasing at Loch Leven so we are asking you to help us develop a research strategy and management options to help reduce their impact and improve water quality.

On 11 and 12 June we will be running community conversations to hear how people are using the loch and how its water quality impacts you. We are keen to hear from everyone who interacts with, or is affected by, Loch Leven; members of the public, schools, local councillors, community councils, farmers, landowners, wild swimmers and recreational water sports users, walkers, cyclists, anglers, birdwatchers, dog walkers, conservation societies, artists and storytelling groups. These conversations are free and open to all!

We'll also be running an activity evening on Friday 13 June where you can see electrofishing and kick-sampling in action and learn how to use the Bloomin' Algae app to report potential algal bloom sightings. Please wear outdoor clothing.

Food and refreshments will be provided at all these events. If you are bringing children along with you, please note that we won't be collecting any of their responses or data for use in the research.

The events

Community conversation – tell us how you use the Loch and how its water quality affects you.

• 11 June 2025, 18:30 – 20:30, The Green Hotel, 2 The Muirs, Kinross KY13 8AS

• 12 June 2025, 18:30 – 20:30, The Grouse and Claret, Heatheryford, Kinross KY13 0NQ (repeat event)

Science activity evening – see science in action and learn how you can help track algal blooms in the Loch. Please wear outdoor clothing.

• 13 June 2025, 18:00 – 20:00, Loch Leven's Larder/Channel Farm, Kinross KY13 9HD

It's Loch Leven Discovery Day on 14 June - so join us at Kirkgate Park to find out more about the research we do to understand Loch Leven and how it is changing.

Image credit: Laurence Carvalho