UP TO 1,000 homes could be affected by a burst water main between Gifford and East Saltoun.

Scottish Water confirmed this morning that emergency repairs were taking place on the pipe between the villages in an effort to restore water.

A second leak has also been discovered during the repair process which has resulted in temporary traffic lights being installed on the B6355 at Speedyburn.

Homes in the area have reported a loss of pressure and Scottish Water confirmed that residents could experience brown or discoloured water as the repairs progressed.

Some homes could also be without water during the repair process.

An alternative water source is being arranged in the meantime, but this temporary measure may bring back supply at a reduced pressure.

Scottish Water added that homes in the EH34 and EH41 areas were affected, including Gifford, East Saltoun and Carfrae.

East Lothian Council confirmed that Yester and Saltoun Primary Schools were currently unaffected and remained open.

Those who are without water can contact Scottish Water free of charge on 0800 0778 778 to receive bottled drinking water if required.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: "The burst main serves a number of customers across the EH34 and EH41 postcode areas of East Saltoun, Gifford and Carfrae.

"Customers here will likely notice a change in their water supply whilst repairs are carried out and should expect to see a loss of water, lower pressure or intermittent pressure.

"Whilst the work is under way, we will introduce alternative water supplies to those in the above areas with the aim of reducing impact on your water supply. This temporary measure may help bring the majority of customers back into supply, albeit at a reduced pressure.

"The team on the ground are working as best they can to have the repair completed as quickly as possible and will update us shortly on their progress. Should any complexities with the repair arise, we will update this message to let you know it may take a little longer for things to go back to normal.

"We are doing everything we can to make sure the repair goes ahead successfully with minimal impact.

"As the repair progresses and customers' water supply begins to return, customers may notice that their water is brown discoloured.

"This is common after main pipes have experienced a disruption and we ask customers to run their cold kitchen tap at half pressure until this runs clear.

"We will be in contact with all customers on our priority services register to ensure additional support is provided. If your supply has been affected and you require additional support, we encourage you to sign up to our priority services register either online at scottishwater.co.uk/priority or call our customer helpline on 0800 0778 778."