The Orkney island of Stronsay is to take delivery of a new £4million water treatment works to provide clear, fresh drinking water to its 350 residents for years to come.
Scottish Water is aiming to have the new state-of-the-art plant in full operation this year.
It has been working with Efficient Service Delivery (ESD) at the existing island Water Treatment Works (WTW) site near Whitehall to prepare for the arrival of the system.
The plant has already been assembled and tested at Ross-shire Engineering’s specialist factory in Muir of Ord, near Inverness, before being separated into two large modules, which are now to make the journey to their long-term home.
A specialised crane will make the journey first, travelling to Stronsay by scheduled ferry today.
The water treatment modules will also travel from Muir of Ord to Scrabster, before making the crossing to Orkney tomorrow.
On Saturday, they will sail from Kirkwall to Stronsay via specially chartered ferries.
ESD Project Manager Joe Oldroyd said: “These deliveries are a crucial milestone in our investment to take care of the future of Stronsay’s water supply.
“Each stage of their journey has been carefully planned to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible and that any disruption is kept to a minimum.”
Scottish Water Corporate Affairs Manager Gavin Steel added: “The investment we are making will help to make sure that Stronsay has a reliable supply of clear, fresh drinking water for many years to come.”
Once the deliveries reach Stronsay, the modules will be reassembled on site ahead of commissioning work. The project as a whole is due to be complete before the end of the year.