Buyer found for Fort William smelter
Owners Rio Tinto announced plans to consult over its future in January.
A deal's been agreed to sell a Fort William smelter to new owners, safeguarding around 170 jobs.
The Rio Tinto plant, as well as hydroelectric facilities at nearby Kinlochleven, have been sold as a going concern to the GFG Alliance.
It follows months of uncertainty for workers there, after the firm announced plans to consult over the site's future in January.
Lochaber SNP MSP Katie Forbes said: “My hope was always to preserve jobs and continue operations at the smelter, but I think that Liberty House’s ambitions for the smelter could put Fort William in the driving seat of industrial expansion, career opportunities and sustainable economic growth.
“Innovation and community benefits were the foundation stones on which the smelter and the hydro scheme were first founded – new villages were built and electricity was generated in Lochaber before anywhere else in Scotland.
“I know that the Scottish Government and I were always keen to support a buyer who were committed to the local community.
“I think that Liberty House’s plans for the region are reminiscent of the smelter’s innovative, community-focused origins.
“Today is all about the future for the West Highlands and I am very enthusiastic about this latest development for our region.”
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said: “Today’s announcement will be a relief for those employed at the plant and will secure a future for other jobs created in the supply chain.”
“I am still to talk to the General Manager Brian King about the deal, but it has to be good news that the UK’s last remaining aluminium smelter will continue in the region.”