'Disgusting sludge' spotted in the waters of Edinburgh's Leith dock

Video footage has emerged of a "disgusting sludge" in the waters of Leith dock, sparking environmental concerns from locals.
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Video footage has emerged of a "disgusting sludge" in the waters of Leith dock, sparking environmental concerns from locals.

The clip, posted on Thursday evening, shows some kind of substance or mix of substances floating on top of the water in Albert Dock with a pair of ducks swimming nearby.

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It is not thought any oil has been spilled but the nature of the debris remains unclear, although it may have been washed down from the Water of Leith.

Ducks could be seen swimming close to the substance. Pic: contributedDucks could be seen swimming close to the substance. Pic: contributed
Ducks could be seen swimming close to the substance. Pic: contributed

A spokesperson from The Port of Leith said: “Due to the recent heavy rains, there has been a higher than normal about of debris flowing into the port area from the Water of Leith.

"Having checked the area today, we can confirm that there is no oil in the dock area and the debris reported last night has now gone.”

However one local resident, who did not want to be named, is sceptical about this explanation and believes the film on top of the water suggests something hazardous to wildlife - and claims such incidents happen all too frequently.

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The resident said: "It's disgusting. When I see the state of Leith compared to the millions spent at Tilbury (Forth Ports owned dock in London), you would think they would be a bit more positive about Leith, given it's their headquarters."

A Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) spokesperson said: “While SEPA did not receive any direct reports of a pollution incident at Leith Docks, we have been in contact with Forth Ports which has confirmed there is no oil residue in the area today.

“Anyone who sees debris in the water or is concerned about any other potential pollution incident can report this via www.sepa.org.uk/report.”

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