Engineers work to restore power to homes in Orkney

The majority of homes in Orkney affected by last night’s lightning storms should now have power, according to Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD).

However a number of properties in Sandwick will be switched off today while repairs are made.

SHEPD’s Orkney manager, Stevie Burns, said this morning that engineers are continuing to work in Sandwick and power will be lost to some homes in the area, for a maximum of four hours, while work is undertaken.

Mr Burns said there were problems all over the Orkney Mainland, from 11pm last night, Wednesday, onwards, due to blown fuses and insulators and a damaged substation in Kirkwall.