UPDATE: Repairs under way to burst water main in Caithness – temporary traffic lights on A9

Scottish Water is carrying out urgent repairs to a burst water main in Caithness.

Earlier, the utility firm said around 850 properties in Wick and the surrounding area had been affected by the burst.

The burst on the 14-inch trunk main has now been located on the A9, east of Halkirk, and the team is working to expose the pipe to carry out the repairs.

A short section of the A9 is restricted to one lane under temporary traffic lights at Achavanich and drivers are urged to follow all signage.

Scottish Water said that traffic management will be in place for the duration of the works, in order to allow safe access for tankers to feed supplies into the network and bring as many customers as possible back into supply.

Around 88 properties in the KW1, KW3, KW5 and KW6 postcode areas may still be experiencing interruption to their supply or low water pressure, it added, including at Spittal, Knockally and Occumster.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “Our response team has worked quickly to establish the location of the burst and is now working quickly to carry out the repair and minimise disruption as far as possible.

“We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused and we would like to thank everyone for their patience while this work is completed.”

For the latest information on this issue visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/In-Your-Area/Service-Updates/KW1-KW3-KW5-KW6-Wick-S1-03012023

Customers who require additional support are encouraged to sign up to the Priority Services Register either online at www.scottishwater.co.uk/priority or by calling Scottish Water's customer helpline on 0800 0778 778.

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