Lochaber was celebrating last night as news of the smelter deal filtered out across the region.
There was a collective sense of relief that 150 jobs were likely to be secured, with business and community leaders sharing a pre-Christmas toast to the apparent success of many months of delicate negotiation.
Fort William High Street trader Drew Purdon, a member of local “think-tank” for Lochaber, said: “At this time of the year, being seasonal about it, it’s time for rejoicing that there’s good news despite Brexit and everything else that’s going on.”
Highland Council’s Lochaber area leader Thomas MacLennan said: “It’s great news given the state of flux in recent months.
“It’s great to hear there’s an agreement, that a company’s bought it. They seem to have plans for the future involving expansion.
“There’s an aspiration locally to take control of Rio Tinto’s existing land holding for the benefit of the community. That’s something that will now hopefully be incorporated into this exciting new development.”
Federation of Small Businesses development manager David Richardson said: “This is a great early Christmas present for Lochaber and the Highlands – not just for the employees and their families but also for the many local businesses in the supply chain and the wider community.
“The possibility of some sort of community involvement in the land puts icing on the cake. Local businesses will look forward to getting involved.”
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said the news would be a huge relief to Lochaber.
“They’re saying not only will jobs be preserved but they’re looking to create employment.
“I was in Lochaber on Friday and there have been productive discussions between the community and the firm that’s looking to take over and they may well be able to do a sensible transfer of the land, so things are looking good. Let’s hope it all comes right.”
Charlotte Wright, interim chief executive at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “This is good news for the local economy and wider community.
“We’ve been in contact with Rio Tinto Alcan throughout their strategic review and welcome their efforts to secure a sustainable future for the Lochaber operations.
“We particularly welcome Simec’s commitment to the area, retaining and potentially creating employment, and look forward to working with them on their plans for the future.”
