Scapa Beach off limits due to sinking sand
(Picture: Craig Taylor)
Scapa Beach has been closed to the public until further notice as areas of quicksand have been reported along a stretch of the beach.
Police, Coastguard and Orkney Island Council staff were called to the area this afternoon, sealing the beach off, after reports that a woman – who managed to free herself – became stuck in the sand earlier today, Saturday.
A Coastguard spokesman said that they had never heard of quicksand in Orkney before, but added that the condition may have been caused by the recent tidal and weather conditions.
A Police spokesman said that there are areas of deep unstable sand in places on the beach. He added that the condition of the beach will be reassessed following the next high tide.