A NUMBER of streets in Inverness city centre have been forced to close after a burst water main resulted in a sinkhole.

Highland Council said a decision was taken to close the roads because of concerns about further risks to an area of road on Bridge Street.

Parts of Bridge Street, High Street and Castle Street were closed at 7pm on Thursday.

In a post on Twitter/X on Thursday night, the council said it could take Scottish Water three days to repair the water main.

It added that bus operators had been notified and that services would be rerouted during the closure period.

Highland Council said: “All parties are working together to try and minimise disruption, but some disruption is inevitable.

“We apologise for any inconvenience and aim to have the road reopened as soon as possible.”