Charges against three companies, accused of exposing people to the risk of Legionella bacteria, have been dropped.

Five firms were originally charged under the Health and Safety at Work Act after allegedly exposing people to the risk of Legionella bacteria at Wheatfield Road in Gorgie, Edinburgh.

The charges referred to alleged health and safety breaches at cooling towers and were unconnected to the deaths of four people in the city during a Legionnaires' outbreak in 2012.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court in December, all five companies denied the charge of failing to ensure the safety of their employees.

On Friday, the charges against the North British Distillery Company, Pera Services Ltd and Chemtech Consultancy Ltd were withdrawn.

Macfarlan Smith Ltd and Ashland Industries UK Ltd maintained their pleas of not guilty.

A further hearing is due to take place on July 30.