The Loch, which is located in the picturesque Strathclyde Country Park, is scheduled to host the 1,500 metres open-air swim that begins the 2014 Commonwealth Games triathlon competition.

The could provide one of the most stunning backdrops for the Commonwealth Games with the swim (pictured top) to be followed by a 40 kilometres cycle ride and a 10km run on the surrounding roads and paths.

However, the quality of the water in the artificial loch has been a source of concern in recent years and the issue has reared its head again with the Great Scottish Swim scheduled for Saturday (August 25) now cancelled "due to concerns over levels of naturally occurring, but potentially harmful, blue green algae."

The Loch has actually been closed for immersion sports for two months following an outbreak of illness contracted by open water swimmers who took part in an event in June but the cancellation of the high-profile event is still a huge blow to organisers following huge interest in it following the London 2012 Olympics.

"Making the call to cancel the Great Scottish Swim has been extremely difficult, but the safety of our swimmers and their families remains our main priority," said the event director of the Great Swim Series Alex Jackson.

Strathclyde Loch has been blighted by a high-level outbreak of blue green algae

"The strict guidelines that are in place mean, for us, there is an unacceptable level of risk.

"We appreciate the inconvenience and disappointment a cancellation will cause, and all swimmers will be offered a full refund on their entry fee."

The event comes almost exactly two years after the same event was cancelled in 2010 a after the levels of blue-green algae in the Loch were found to be twice the recommended safety level.

The recurring water problems are continuing to be discussed by Glasgow 2014 but the Organising Committee will make no final decision on moving the triathlon event until next year.

"Glasgow 2014 is committed to delivering a high-quality triathlon venue to stage this exciting sport as part of the Commonwealth Games programme," said a Glasgow 2014 spokesperson.

"We are working in partnership with a number of organisations... tasked with ensuring the loch in Strathclyde Country Park continues to be used for sporting and recreational purposes and as the triathlon venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"The first of on-going official reports from the group is not due until early to mid-2013 and no decisions will be made until after then."

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