MSP John Finnie meets owners of Rio's Fort William aluminium plant amid fears for its future

Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie has held talks with the owners of the Rio Tinto Alcan aluminium smelter at Fort William, amid fears for its future.

The Canada-based metals and mining giant is undertaking a review of its assets, including the smelter, which employs about 150 people, a hydroelectric power station at Kinlochleven and 116,000 acres of mountain terrain in Lochaber. Senior management from the firm’s Montreal headquarters visited the Scottish Parliament for talks with the independent MSP and others.

Finnie said: “I was impressed by the open nature of our meeting which mirrored an earlier conversation with the local manager, Brian King. Like every listed company, Rio Tinto has an obligation to its shareholders. However, I impressed on them the very significant social responsibility it has to Lochaber and the loyal, efficient workforce it has there.

"I was reassured to hear that important stakeholders such as Scottish Development International, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Highland Council are working closely with the company and that all options, including the status quo remain on the table.

"The smelter’s hydro station is capable of generating more power than the plant needs, and I understand the option of selling energy to the National Grid is being explored. Lochaber needs the smelter and I’d like to think Rio Tinto needs Lochaber. I know it’s a difficult ask, but I trust everyone can be patient and let the review run its course.”