Argyll and Bute Council has been given a "good practice" standard for their ports and harbours.

The Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) covers national safety standards for running ports and harbours and are reviewed every three years.

The UK Department for Transport publishes a list of compliant ports and Argyll and Bute will be included in the next edition. This covers about 14% of UK ports and 30% of statutory harbour authorities.

Council bosses said the assessment involves assurance audits of ports and harbours. Rothesay Harbour was highlighted as an example of "best practice".

Chair of the Harbour Board, and policy lead for roads and transport, Councillor Andrew Kain, said: “I’m immensely proud of everyone in marine operations who worked to achieve PMSC compliance.

“Our ports and harbours play a key role in connecting our island communities to the mainland and in driving our tourism economy.

"It’s important that residents, businesses and visitors have the comfort of knowing our marine assets are operated professionally and to the highest safety standards.”