Islanders in the Outer Hebrides say their lives are being disrupted by a mysterious low frequency humming sound that can be heard day and night.

Lauren-Grace Kirtley, who has set up a Facebook page dedicated to the “Hebridean Hum”, said about 200 people on Lewis have reported hearing the noise.

Dr Kirtley said the sound had prevented her from sleeping properly for several weeks, adding: “It’s impossible to ignore - it is like somebody shouting in your face constantly for attention.”

Marcus-Hazel McGowan, who has been using amateur radio techniques to try and find the source, added: “It’s just trying to narrow it down and hoping nobody loses their mind completely over it.”

The local council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said it had received reports relating to low frequency sounds from a small number of islanders.