Coastguard helicopters grounded

The S92-class machines, which operate out of Stornoway and Shetland, were grounded along with all other S92 machines.

The manufacturer, Sikorsky, had informed the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's helicopter contractor, CHC, that all the aircraft were being grounded pending an "urgent modification" to the fleet.

The MCA has said that it is now "working closely with the Ministry of Defence to provide cover for the islands from Lossiemouth and Prestwick".

It added: "Once it has become more clear as to how long the Coastguard helicopters will remain grounded and any remedial engineering work that needs to be carried out, we will take a decision on implementing a contingency plan for longer-term air coverage. 

"The aircraft on the South Coast are unaffected."