Seal pup delays £2m water project

The seal pup moved off the route a few days later.

Engineering work on a £2.6m Scottish Water project in Sutherland was held up after a grey seal pup was born on the route of a new pipeline.

Animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA was asked for advice.

However, engineers were able to resume operations after the pup and its mother moved on after a few days.

The project aims to improve drinking water supplies in Melness and involves laying new water main, including a 250m section under the Kyle of Tongue.

Steve Bunn, project manager for Scottish Water Solutions, said: "We planned for all sorts of eventualities but this seal pup kept us on our toes."