A cargo ship which ran aground in the Pentland Firth has remained stranded overnight.

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

Several attempts were made to refloat the 89m ship on Wednesday.

Tugs failed to refloat the vessel during the high water period in the evening.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's emergency tug Ievoli Black sailed to the scene and is currently on standby.

The coastguard said the vessel was still aground on Thursday morning.

A coastguard spokesman said: "No attempt has been made to move the vessel.

"Two tugs (including the ETV 'Ievoli Black') are on scene standing by.

"The vessel remains stable and there are no signs of any major damage or any signs of pollution.

"The crew are safe and well."