Loud bang heard in Caithness and parts of Sutherland could have been sonic boom

A loud bang which was heard over Caithness and parts of Sutherland seems to have been a sonic boom, which is associated with shock waves created when an object travels through the air faster than the speed of sound.

The bang heard in Castletown, Watten, Thurso, Lybster, Halkirk, Staxigoe, Lyth, Barrock and Bettyhill, occurred around lunchtime yesterday.

It is understood military aircraft were in the area at the time.

One person, who heard it said: "It was a sonic boom, and was immediately followed by sound of Jet aircraft flying at several thousand feet, plus another one following at a lower altitude."

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for a response.

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