Silo collapse at whisky facility

The silo collapse spilled hundreds of tonnes of barley across the site

A grain silo has collapsed at a maltings plant in Islay spilling several hundred tonnes of barley across the site.

A spokeswoman for the drinks company, Diageo, said the silo came down at Port Ellen Maltings sometime before 0600 GMT on Friday.

No-one was injured although nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Work at the site has been suspended while structural engineers carry out an investigation into the collapse.

The Diageo spokeswoman said it was unlikely that the incident would have an effect on whisky production.

The company employs 47 people on Islay, 12 of whom are based at Port Ellen Maltings.