A hospital ward has been closed after several patients fell ill with norovirus symptoms.

Four patients at Mid-Argyll Community Hospital in Lochgilphead suffered diarrhoea and vomiting with two testing positive for the bug.

The Glenaray acute in-patient ward was closed to new admissions on Monday and visiting will be restricted.

The closure comes after two Scottish schools were closed amid a norovirus outbreak which saw 150 children fall ill.

Dr Gergely Kriszan, consultant microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: "By restricting visiting to the affected area it helps hospital staff protect the health, privacy and dignity of our patients.

"We would also ask that people do not come to the hospital to visit if they have, or live with someone who has, had any vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 48hrs.

"By doing this we will be able to limit the spread as much as possible.

"Hospital staff will of course be very happy to talk to visitors on the phone so they can get updates on how their relatives are."

Medics say there is no specific treatment for a norovirus infection and it is not usually necessary to visit a doctor.

They advise that the best course of action is to stay at home, take paracetamol to relieve symptoms of any fever and to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Strict hand washing techniques also reduce the spread of the virus.