Council issue appeal following discovery of explosive material

Orkney Islands Council is reminding the public of the risks of dumping potentially explosive material, following a recent discovery of several rounds of old ammunition and flares.

The discovery of the ammunition resulted in the closure of the Garson amenity site in Stromness for several hours, while an expert team was also called into the Chinglebraes waste transfer site following the discovery of flares.

The council’s head of infrastructure and strategic projects, Darren Richardson, said: “We’re taking this opportunity to remind people that disposing of potentially explosive material in this way is illegal and represents a significant risk to members of the public and our staff, not to mention disruption while their safe disposal is carried out.

“It is also important to point out that waste is incinerated in Shetland, so this presents a further layer of risk.”

Anyone with potentially explosive material for disposal should contact Police Scotland on the national enquiry line 101 to seek advice on the appropriate action to take.