Rescue services are attending a serious incident at a Scottish dockyard after a ship in dry dock toppled over. 

Police Scotland have advised people to avoid the area around the Imperial Dock in Leith while emergency services carry out their work.  

There have been no mention of any injuries. Five ambulances and an air ambulance are at the scene. 

Jacquie Campbell, Chief Officer of Acute Services at NHS Lothian, said: “We’re on standby to receive a number of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s A&E department following a major incident at Imperial Dock in Leith.

“We have been reviewing the current capacity at the RIE, with support from other sites, to prepare to accommodate these patients.

"Given the expected pressure on the site, we urge people not to attend A&E at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh unless it’s an emergency.

“If you think you need urgent care, please contact your GP or call NHS 24 on 111 to seek advice. Thank you.”

Edinburgh Councillor Adam McVey said that the ship had been dislodged from its holdings due to strong winds. 

He Tweeted: "Emergency services are responding to a major incident at Leith docks- a ship has been dislodged from its holding in strong winds.

"Terrifying for those on board, my thoughts are with those who’ve been injured & hope everyone recovers quickly. Please avoid area."

Pictures on social media showed the sizeable ship leaning at a 45 degree angle in the dock.  

There have been reports that multiple fire and rescue vehicles have been observed at the scene.   

A statement from Police Scotland said: “Officers and emergency service colleagues are responding to an incident at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, whereby a ship on dry dock has become dislodged from its holding. 

“Police were called to attend at around 8.35am on Wednesday, 22 March, 2023 and officers remain at the scene. 

“The public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We were alerted at 8.43am on Wednesday to reports of an incident at Imperial Dock, Leith, Edinburgh.

“Operations control mobilised four appliances and a number of specialist resources.

“Crews currently remain in attendance.”

The coastguard also sent teams to the scene.

A spokesman said: “HM Coastguard is currently assisting Police Scotland in responding to a major incident at Imperial Dry Dock in Edinburgh.

“At around 9.30am, Coastguard rescue teams from Fisherrow, South Queensferry and Kinghorn were sent to the scene.

“This is a multi-agency response, with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue also in attendance.”

Dales Marine Services, which runs the dry dock, said it had no comment.