Man airlifted to hospital after embankment plunge

A man has been airlifted to hospital after toppling from a steep embankment in Orkney and breaking his leg.

The 55-year-old was walking with his son when the incident happened near Grobust on the island.

His son ran to a nearby farm to raise the alarm at around 10.20 am.

Westray Coastguard launched a vessel but were unable to reach him and called for a helicopter evacuation.

The helicopter battled to land in misty conditions and the man was then airlifted the Raigmore Hospital in Inverness suffering a “badly broken” leg.

A Shetland Coastguard spokeswoman said: “We got the call at about 10.20am and Westray Coastugard were tasked with dealing with the incident.

“There were wet conditions this morning with lots of mist but the helicopter managed to land and take the gentleman to Raigmore.

“It was a really awkward place he fell and he’s broken his leg badly.”

She added that his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.