A consultation has been launched on an underwater electricity network which connects 59 Scottish islands.

Industry bodies and the public are being urged to voice their opinions on whether 111 submarine electricity cables should be protected in the sea bed or laid on top of it during their installation.

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) launched the six week consultation on 09 September.

The exhibition will discuss whether the cables will have any impact on the marine environment, if the works will have an social or economic impacts, and consider any concerns on how much the works could cost.

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SHEPD is working with the energy regulator Ofgem and the regulator for managing Scotland's seas, Marine Scotland, on coming up with a final sustainable process.

Currently, 110 of the submarine cables are laid on the surface of the seabed.

Alan Broadbent, Director of Engineering at SHEPD, said: "It is important we secure the thoughts of all interested parties on what they would like us to do with the submarine cables, as protecting or laying can have different impacts and outcomes.

"Any major investment decision we make requires the agreement of Ofgem to ensure it is being made on a sound economic and efficient basis. And any decision on the installation method of the submarine cable needs to be accepted by Marine Scotland."

(LM/CD)