Dunfermline residents have been advised to be cautious of giant hogweed this summer.

The warning from Property Care Association (PCA), which is raising awareness of the issue, follows another sighting of the invasive weed in the city.

The plant is extremely toxic and contact with any part of it, followed by exposure to UV light, can cause blistering to the skin.

In the past few days a Dunfermline local, Gustavo Fune and his wife, noticed giant hogweed near the Sky call centre, at the kerbside of the A823 road between the M90 and Pitreavie roundabout.

He said the toxic plant “looks quite high” and added that it is “very invasive”.

He wanted to highlight the plant’s presence to make sure that if other people spot it, they do not touch it.

Earlier in June, giant hogweed was removed from a path used by kids and adults going to and from St Margaret's and Commercial primary schools in Dunfermline.

Daniel Docking, of Property Care Association’, said: "Children are particularly vulnerable, as they can encounter the plant while playing outdoors in the summer.

“We reported last year that the wet weather was providing an optimum environment for the invasive non-native weed to thrive, and a repeat of those conditions this year means that plant will take hold once again.

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“Anyone unfortunate to come into contact with giant hogweed can develop symptoms including a rash, itching and blisters where skin touches any part of the plant.

“In some cases, people need urgent medical attention because the blistering can be so severe.”

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Fife Council confirmed that the location of the giant hogweed would be BEAR Scotland’s responsibility.

A BEAR Scotland spokesperson said: “Our teams have been out and treated giant hogweed in this area earlier this month.

“Unfortunately, totally eradicating this plant is extremely difficult due to the long-term resilience of its seeds.

"Therefore, when giant hogweed is identified the approach is to treat it, undertake ongoing monitoring and treat again and again as required. That is the approach in this area.”

The standout feature of giant hogweed is its size, it can grow up to five metres high and its stem measures up to 10 centimetres in diameter.