Shetland power outages enter fifth day as SSEN engineers work to reconnect homes

More than 1000 homes on Shetland are in their fifth day without power as more than 100 engineers work to rectify damage done to lines on the island.

The power went out on Monday evening following significant snowfall with the Scottish Government declaring it a major incident for Shetland on Tuesday.

Engineers have been facing severe weather as they work to restore power properties which remain off supply in Voe, Brae, Yell and the West Mainland throughout the week.

SSEN say 1700 properties are currently still without power in Shetland on Friday.

SSEN Distribution has sent 125 additional engineers to Shetland to support local teams, with many arriving by ferry on Wednesday.

While it is hoped teams of engineers will be able to restore the majority by Sunday, due to the extent of the damage & access issues, some homes in the West Mainland are unlikely to be connected until Monday.

A Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice remains in place across much of northern Scotland with Shetland affected until at least 10am on Friday.

The Met Office said snow is likely to persist through the morning, which would turn to rain at low levels later in the day.

Several village halls across Shetland have now been given generators enabling them to turn into warm spaces for the community.

Anyone with concerns for themselves or others has been urged to give SSEN teams a call on 105.

Customers can claim up to £30 per person for every 24 hours they are without power and are asked to keep copies of their receipts.

SSEN is also offering to reimburse reasonable food costs for a hot meal if customers are unable to access the welfare locations.

Police are urging people on the islands to be careful if they are heading out.