Warnings have been issued about a potential risk of raised levels of E.coli in cockles at three sites in Argyll and Bute.
The sites were identified in the recent classification document for shellfish harvesting areas in Scotland.
They include Loch Creran, Loch na Cille, and Loch Riddon.
Argyll and Bute Council’s environmental health service has also identified raised levels of the bacteria in cockles at Dunstaffnage Bay and Loch Spelve west.
A council spokeswoman said: “Eating shellfish such as cockles, mussels, oysters or razor fish from these areas may pose a risk to human health and notices to warn the public and casual gatherers have been posted at various locations on the shore.
“Commercial shellfish harvesters in these areas have been contacted by the Council and steps taken to postpone harvesting until bacterial levels subside.
“It is a sensible precaution to avoid eating shellfish from this area until further notice. When the situation subsides, the warning notes etc will be removed.”
