Scottish residents are not happy after being told by water chiefs that worms in the water supply are merely an "aesthetic issue."

Customers complained to Scottish Water after they found tiny bloodworms – midge larvae – coming out of their taps. The story says that about 30 householders in Oban are thought to have discovered the 6mm worms when pouring a glass of water.

Jason Rose, a Scottish Water spokesman, apologised for the problem, saying it was an "aesthetic issue" and there was no risk to health.

A resident, who asked not to be named, was quoted as saying,

"The worms may not be dangerous, but they certainly aren’t pleasant. Nobody is going to want to drink, cook or clean with water that is infested with midge larvae. To imply it’s only an ‘aesthetic issue’ is just bloody cheek."