The MV Jambo sank off the west coast

Representatives from Western Isles Council and Highland Council met the Shipping Minister David Jamieson.

They called for increased regulation on transporting hazardous cargo through the Minches.

It comes after the sinking of cargo vessel, the Jambo, which ran aground near the Summer Isles in June.

'Useful and constructive'

The Jambo was carrying 3,300 tonnes of zinc sulphide and 84 tonnes of marine diesel when it hit rocks off Wester Ross.

The councils criticised the subsequent Jambo clean-up operation, which left about 1,500 tonnes of zinc on the sea bed.

Both local authorities called on the UK Government to designate the Minches a maritime environment high risk area.

A Department of Transport spokeswoman described the meeting with Mr Jamieson as "useful and constructive".

Speaking after the meeting in London, Highland Council Convener Alison Magee said: "We had a very constructive meeting with the minister and are delighted that he has agreed to work with us in carrying out the formal review of safety in the Minches.

It was also agreed that each one of the points raised in our joint submission on safety will be fully analysed Alison Magee Highland Council

"Government and council officials will start work immediately."

She added: "It was also agreed that each one of the points raised in our joint submission on safety will be fully analysed."

Both councils also called for the Minches to be awarded particularly sensitive sea area status, to enable the government to establish international rules and standards to control shipping in the area.

The authorities also want extra restrictions in the area for vessels carrying more than 2,500 tonnes of oil as bunkers or cargo.

These include banning single-hulled vessels, making recommended routes mandatory and requiring vessels carrying hazardous cargo to report at certain points throughout their passage.

We will have further discussions on what measures we can take, proportionately and sensibly, to make sure we protect the environment in this area David Jamieson Shipping minister

They also want the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to oversee the introduction of automatic identification systems on board vessels which regularly carry hazardous cargos.

They also want the installation of a vessel tracking system at Stornoway Coastguard station.

Shipping Minister David Jamieson said there had been a constructive and positive exchange of views.

"In the summer we will be undertaking a radar survey of all the ships going through the Minches and through the deep water channel to the West," said Mr Jamieson.