Thousands of buildings are without heating in Edinburgh while more than 100 engineers try to restore gas supplies to the Scottish city following a burst water main.
Water pipes burst in Edinburgh's Thistle Street on July 19 resulting in 2,000 properties going without gas because Scotia Gas Networks had to switch off the gas supply to all buildings before it could remove the water.

Scotia Gas Networks has flushed thousands of litres of water from its mains but said gas restoration would take several days.

Scotia Gas Networks said today: 'With more than 100,000 litres of water removed from the gas main and still more to come, our engineers are now able to commence the structured plan of reconnecting gas supplies. So far 60 homes have been reconnected'.

The firm added: 'From a technical perspective this is one of the most challenging engineering tasks we have faced, with a massive quantity of water to deal with. At the conclusion of the incident, we will arrange to pay compensation to householders at the rates agreed with the energy regulator Ofgem. After the first 24 hours, householders receive £30 for each 24-hour period they are without gas. It is paid through the customer's own gas supplier'.