Major cable fault leaves Papay residents without power

A major fault has occurred on the submarine cable between Westray and Papa Westray, leading to a power failure affecting all 75 customers on Papay.

Shortly after the power cut at around 8am on Wednesday morning, Scottish and Southern Energy engineers were flown to the island where they ascertained that there was a fault on the 3.9km cable.

Mobile generators were ferried out last night to ensure power supplies to the most “needy” customers.

Supplies to 16 people, and the community centre, were restored by late last night.

Further equipment is being sent to the island today and it is expected that a full service will be in place by late this afternoon.

No date has been set as yet for when the major repair works will be carried out to the cable.