People are being warned to stay away from an oil rig which ran aground in the Outer Hebrides after being blown off-course by a severe storm.

The drilling rig Transocean Winner is being watched closely by a counter-pollution team after it was grounded on the Isle of Lewis in the early hours of Monday.

The beach is a popular tourist spot.

UK Coastguard commander Mark Rodaway said: 'We understand that this incident is of interest to people living in the area, but we're really asking them to stay away to ensure easy access for emergency services and salvors.

"Also the last thing we want is for people to be injured or worse trying to get a closer look on remote cliff paths."


Image: The rig was separated from a tow line. Pic: Murdo Macdonald

An emergency vessel was deployed from Orkney on Sunday night, but by 4.20am the rig, carrying 280 tonnes of diesel, had separated from the tug.

It was then blown ashore at Dalmore Beach, near Carloway.

There were no people on board the rig and there is no risk to life.

Environmental groups have voiced fears about potential pollution but the coastguard said the risk is believed to be low.