A 'foul smell' emanating from the River Clyde has been causing a stink for residents.

Resident Archie Burleigh, who lives in the Meigle, near Skelmorlie, told the News that the vile odour has been present right along the coastline.

People in Millport, Fairlie and West Kilbride have reported the stench, with it reported to have reached as far afield as the Isle of Bute and Saltcoats.

The News has now alerted the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to the various reports.

Mr Burleigh said: "I have no idea what it is but I can see that the a long stretch of the sea near Bute is blue like it might be a huge algae bloom which happened last year.

"It is a foul smell, like raw fish - and it seems to be everywhere."

A Millport local rang the News officer to also report the smell.

They said: "I thought it was coming from the drains but it's all over the town."

A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency said: “We are not aware of any ongoing issues from sites we regulate which may give rise to a raw fish-like odour. We have liaised with North Ayrshire Council following these reports.

“If members of the public identify offensive odour from regulated sites, we would encourage them to contact us through our pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60."