Power cuts on North Isles

Shapinsay, Eday, Stronsay and Sanday are all without power this morning due to what is thought to be a fault in the cable to the Orkney mainland.

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) are currently working to set up mobile generators on the isles. A spokesman has said that generators are currently being set up on Sanday and Stronsay, with power hoped to be restored within the hour.

Generators for Eday and Shapinsay are on their way from Inverness and it is hoped they will arrive on the islands at around midday, with power restored some time before 1pm.

A spokesman from SHEPD said they are investigating the fault although it is not clear whether it is in a section of cable underwater or on land.

Power was also lost in North Ronaldsay although was back on by 5am.

With the problems affecting both mobile signal, phone lines and power, NHS Orkney Primary Care Department is working with medical services on the affected islands and contingency measures are in place to ensure emergency care is being provided.

NHS Orkney are asking relatives of frail and elderly members of the public to pop in and check on their wellbeing.