A cargo ship has run aground in the Pentland Firth between Caithness and Orkney.

The Priscilla became stranded in the Pentland Skerries at around 3.30am on Wednesday, about six miles north east of Duncansby Head.

The Thurso RNLI lifeboat team has already made several failed attempts to refloat the 290ft-long ship.

However, the Priscilla, which has six people aboard, is not believed to be seriously damaged.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's emergency tug Ievoli Black arrived at the scene at 5pm on Wednesday, and is currently on standby, while a refloat plan is formulated.

A spokesman for the Maritime Coastguard Agency said it is unlikely that a further attempt will be made to refloat the vessel before the next high water period which is due at 4am on Thursday.

Coastguard duty controller Kaimes Beasley said: 'At this stage the vessel is stable and the crew on board are safe and well and there is no risk to life.

"This incident is ongoing and we will provide further updates as the situation develops."