Scorpion on the loose in Victoria Street

OIC environmental health Officers are hunting a pet scorpion, reported missing in Kirkwall’s Victoria Street.

Environmental health manager, David Brown said: “We are aware that a Lao Black Forest Scorpion was reported missing today, and is believed to be still being indoors within premises which consists of several flats.

“This Lao Black Forest Scorpion is black in colour and is around 6 inches/15cm long.  The scorpion can sting- and the sting is said to be similar to a large hornet sting with pain which can last for two or three days.  The scorpion likes a temperature of between 20-30 degrees Celsius and so would not survive the Orkney weather.”

He added:  “There is a strong likelihood that the scorpion is still within the owner’s flat and hopefully it will be recovered soon.”