Residents in Orkney are being encouraged to attend a series of consultations to discuss the replacement of three submarine electricity cables in the north isles.

The cables are reaching the end of their operational life and Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) is hosting events to provide an overview of the different cables and possible methods for their replacement.

The cable landfalls are located at:


• Carness Bay (Mainland Orkney) to Point of Dishan (Shapinsay)

• Near Holm of Scockness (Rousay) to Point of Huro (Westray) across the Westray Firth

• Bay of Linton (Shapinsay) to Bay of Holland (Stronsay) across the Stronsay Firth

Kirstine Wood, Stakeholder Manager, said: "The three electricity submarine cables we are replacing are coming to the end of their lifecycle. As part of the engagement process we want to receive comments and insight from the public and statutory bodies to ensure their views and opinions influence the final recommendations we will submit to energy regulator Ofgem and Marine Scotland."

The events will place between 10am – 10pm at the St Magnus Centre in Kirkwall from today, 03 August and Thursday, 04 August.

(LM/CD)