Western Isles Council has asked the operator of an oil rig that ran aground on Lewis to consider repairing it in the islands.

The council has written to Transocean asking to meet representatives to discuss the proposal.

The 17,000-tonne Transocean Winner went adrift during a storm on August 8 and grounded near Carloway.

Two tug boats were hooked up to the rig on Monday night and towed it to Broad Bay on the far side of the island.

Eight anchors have been laid out to hold the Transocean Winner in place while divers inspect it for damage.

In the letter to Transocean, Western Isles Council leader Angus Campbell said: “We ask that serious consideration be given to the use of local facilities and engineering expertise in carrying out the necessary repairs.

“As you will be aware, there is an established oil and gas supply chain in the islands with considerable lay down area at the Arnish facility and good connections for skilled workers to move in and out as required.

“Secure additional storage for recyclable parts pending resale could be available at Creed Park on the outskirts of Stornoway.

“We would be very happy to work with Transocean, Smit Salvage and other relevant key stakeholders to ensure that direct and indirect benefits are, as much as possible, retained in the islands.”

About 53,000 litres of diesel leaked from the Transocean Winner’s ruptured fuel tanks following the grounding, but the full extent of the damage to the vessel is unclear.

Most of the fuel is believed to have evaporated and no further pollution has been detected.