BT engineers working to restore internet and phone signal in Shetland
Officers were alerted at around 1.20 this morning to the problem.
Last updated 20th Oct 2022
People on Shetland have been without internet or phone signal for 12 hours because of a damaged subsea cable.
BT engineers are working flat out to try to restore the power as quickly as possible.
Officers say the line for dialling 999 is still working, but locals shouldn't use it unless it is for an absolute emergency.
Superintendent David Ross said: “We are working with partners to ensure people across Shetland have access to emergency services.
"Officers and vehicles from across Scotland are being sent to assist until normal service is resumed.
“They will be ready to be deployed on Friday, 21 October, and will remain as long as necessary. Local police stations are open and there is an emergency Hub set up in the Tesco car park in South Road, Lerwick.
“In the meantime, we are advising people not to make non-urgent calls for the time being so that all available lines can be used for emergencies if required.
Chief Inspector Jane Mackenzie told Clyde 1: "If anyone does have an emergency then they should try dialling 999 on a landline or mobile.
"If that does not work then people should go to their nearest police station, fire station or hospital or flag down an emergency vehicle that doesn't have blue lights activated."
A loss of internet and phone signal is usually quite rare on the Shetland Islands, but repairs to another cable connecting Shetland and Faroe are ongoing after it was damaged last week.
Chief Inspector Jane Mackenzie added: "If you are cut off from an elderly or vulnerable relative then you should contact us.
"I would ask that relatives and neighbours of vulnerable people check on them regularly because assistance alarms may not be working properly."
A BT Group spokesperson said: “Due to a break in a third-party subsea cable connecting Shetland with the Scottish mainland, some phone, broadband and mobile services are affected.
"Engineers are working to divert services via other routes as soon as possible and we’ll provide further updates.
"Our external subsea provider is also looking to restore their link quickly.
"Anyone who needs to call 999 should try their landline or their mobile, even if they don’t have signal from their own mobile provider. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.”
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.