Nearly 900 homes have been hit by blackouts in Orkney after a fault cut off the supply to four islands.

A problem with an underwater cable supplying electricity to Eday, Stronsay, Shapinsay and Sanday is thought to be responsible for the problem, which has left 880 homes without power.

Electrical generators are being shipped across from the mainland as a temporary solution to the problem.

A spokesman for energy firm SSE said: "Four islands, Eday, Stronsay, Shapinsay and Sanday, due to a suspected a fault in a submarine cable. We're going to restore supply to the 880 customers off-supply with generators being ferried over from the mainland today.

"We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused."