East Lothian residents have been issued a warning after a little-known breed of venomous fish were spotted on the shoreline.
Beachgoers have been told to keep their eyes peeled as they walk across the sand this summer in order to avoid a nasty surprise.
Countryside rangers from East Lothian Council say they have heard reports of people being stung by the only venomous fish in UK waters, which can leave their victims in excruciating pain.
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Known as Weever fish, these pesky sea dwellers like to burrow themselves in the sand, particularly during spells of warm weather, which Edinburgh and the Lothians have been experiencing in recent weeks.
When hidden beneath the sand, they leave their poisonous dorsal spines sticking up, meaning unsuspecting locals having a fun day out at the beach have been left shocked when their feet are pricked.
Described as grumpy looking creatures, the fish can measure in at over 30cm in length are are found all over Europe. Due to the warmer climate, they're more often found in Cornwall if they show up on British shores, but are now being spotted in sunny Scotland.
People are now being advised to tread carefully as they enter the water at East Lothian beaches this summer, with guidance on swimmers wearing something on their feet to avoid the scary stings.
Those unfortunate enough to be stung to rapidly place the injured foot under as hot water as they can manage to endure, which should allow the pain to ease off between 15 and 30 minutes from when it first begins to hurt.
Although some people say it can be an incredibly painful experience, these stings are not life-threatening in any way, with many comparing it to a bee sting. According to Padstow Sealife Safaris, the only ever recorded death of a Weever fish sting was in 1933, due to multiple in quick succession.
East Lothian Council Countryside Rangers posted on Facebook, writing: "We have been hearing reports of people betting stung by weever fish, and this can be incredibly painful!
"These grumpy looking creatures are one of the only venomous fish to be found in British waters. They are often found burrowed in the sand in warm weather, mostly when there is a low tide, with their poisonous dorsal spines sticking up.
"The best advice to avoid being stung is to always wear something on your feet when you enter the water. However, if you are stung you should place your foot in as hot water as you can bear, as quickly as possible. After 15 minutes or so, the pain should ease."
