New Legionnaires' case uncovered

So far five people have contracted Legionnaires' disease

A fifth person who stayed at a Ross-shire hotel last month has been confirmed to have contracted Legionnaires' disease.

McKay's Hotel in Strathpeffer was closed during an investigation into the outbreak but has now re-opened.

Health authorities said the person, who is not from the Highlands, was not admitted to hospital and had recovered from the effects of the disease.

Their illness was confirmed by blood tests.

Although the hotel has re-opened, its leisure centre, from where samples were taken to look for traces of the disease, will remain closed.

Four previous cases of Legionnaires, linked to the hotel, were reported earlier this month and resulted in three patients being treated at hospitals in Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness.

The health authority said test results from the hotel had returned negative and the health of the patients was continuing to improve.

A risk assessment has been carried out and an action plan agreed between Highland Council's environmental health officer and the company which owns the hotel.

The action plan addresses maintenance issues and future water quality monitoring.