Power outages due to lightning

Scottish Hydro Electric are reporting that around 200 people are currently experiencing power outages this morning. The main areas affected are Westray and Papa Westray but with some homes also experiencing problems in Birsay, South Ronaldsay and Shapinsay. The outages are believed to have been caused by lightning seen early this morning, with the first reports of problems reaching the local Hydro depot at 4am this morning.

Short power outages were also seen across the rest of Orkney last night and this morning due to problems with the transmission line on the Scottish mainland.

Scottish Hydro Electric say they hope to have power restored to the majority of homes in the county by mid afternoon today however the problems on Westray and Papa Westray may persist until transport is available to get engineers out to the isles.