Scotland's harbour porpoises have been given greater protection with the creation of a new conservation area.

The region spanning the Inner Hebrides and Minches is Europe's largest Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for the species.

The 5300-square mile area will support about 5000 individual porpoises, the Scottish Government said.

Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "I am pleased to designate Scotland's first harbour porpoise SAC. This will help maintain the favourable conservation status and provide protection to the species and their habitats.

"Work to develop a species conservation strategy and ensuring appropriate management, at site level now begins.

"Stakeholder engagement will be essential during this process and I encourage everyone with an interest to participate."

Special Areas of Conservation are given special legal protections aimed at protecting and preserving their natural habitats. There are more than 200 in Scotland, spanning areas including the Cairngorms, the River Tweed and Tiree Machair.

Lang Banks, director of environmental group WWF Scotland, said: "It's fantastic news that Europe's largest Special Area of Conservation for harbour porpoise is to be located off the west coast of Scotland.

"We've long called for greater protection for this species and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government and others to ensure that this site contributes to a coherent and well managed network of marine protected areas.

"We know establishing marine protected areas works, so we look forward to seeing governments around the UK continuing to designate more locations in the future."