Scotrenewables Tidal Power has chosen Scrabster Harbour to do maintenance work on its tidal turbine.

It is the first tidal device to arrive at the Caithness port, Scotland's most northerly, following a major overhaul to add deeper harbour channels and a larger pier to cater for bigger vessels.

Scotrenewables used sister company Scotmarine to tow the SR250 device from Orkney to Scrabster. Local crane contractors Hugh Simpson were also involved at the dockside.

Barry Johnston from Scotrenewables, said: "We are delighted to be using the facilities and expertise at Scrabster Harbour.

"This highlights the cost effectiveness and mobility of our turbine which is unique in that we can easily tow it to the maintenance equipment and facilities rather than have the expense of mobilising the equipment to the turbine."

William Calder, chairman of Scrabster Harbour Trust, said: "It is extremely exciting the new pier has come into life within the renewables industry so early by hosting an Orcadian tidal device from ScotRenewables.

"Scrabster Harbour is ideally placed to capitalise on the marine renewable activity in the Pentland Firth and oil and gas development West of Shetland and this confirms our strategy is the correct route.

"Despite being in the early stages of our redevelopment, we have seen a rise in the volume of oil-related activities over the past couple of months proving our facilities are versatile and suitable for all aspects of the energy market."