Orkney Islanders are set to benefit from possibly the UK’s most northerly dispensing robot.

The machine has been incorporated into W.H.B. Sutherland Pharmacy's new flagship store and headquarters in Kirkwall, which opened today.

The shop has 18 staff and comprises a seated area, a special children’s area, more photographic kiosks and a computerised health information portal.Managing director Torquil Clyde said: “While the layout and design of the new shop is cutting edge it’s important to stress that we still hold on to some very old-fashioned ideas about customer service. So while the business may look radically different, people can still expect the same personal service from our staff.”