Orkney’s  Local Emergency Co-ordination Group (OLECG) met yesterday in response to the flooding alert from SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency).SEPA Flood Alert for Orkney

The highest risk of flooding will be a few hours either side of the high tide on Tuesday , 14th of January, around 12 noon. There may also be a risk of wave overtopping at high tide at around midnight 13th January.

The gates were put up at the Flooding Defence Wall in Kirkwall.

Chief Inspector Matt Webb, area commander for Police Scotland, who chaired the meeting, said:

“Serious coastal flooding, potentially some of the worst we’ve seen since 2005, is forecast for many areas of Orkney.

“At present, Stromness, St Margaret’s Hope, Burray, Longhope and parts of Westray and Sanday look likely to be worst affected.”

Drivers who use the Waterfront West-Shapinsay Slip car park and Kirkwall Harbour were asked to move vehicles as soon as possible.

Once the flood gates are up vehicles are unable to leave this area.

Sandbags were being made available for collection from pallets placed at Cromarty Square, St Mary’s, Burray village, Scapa and Garson in Stromness. Sandbags would also be available in Westray, Hoy and Sanday.

School buses were also sent to take pupils home early leaving many passengers looking for alternative means home.