Jahama Highland Estates boss responds to criticism

THE boss of the subsidiary division set up by GFG Alliance to manage the more than 100,000 acres that came with the purchase of the Lochaber smelter at Fort William says the company remains excited and optimistic about the potential of the estate to bring value to local communities.

Highland Council’s Planning Applications South Committee this week approved GFG Alliance’s planning application to expand the smelter operations to incorporate a new manufacturing facility for alloy car wheels.

Responding to claims the company had been dragging its feet over engaging with local communities on plans for the estate lands, Duncan Mackison, chief executive of Jahama Highland Estates, said: ‘There is a broad spectrum of projects being delivered and many others in the pipeline. As we promised, we are involving local communities in these projects.

‘Naturally, we are happy to discuss this with anyone who has concerns. On the topic of community land ownership, there is genuine intent to deliver on this and we are progressing talks with several parties, including the community trust.

‘These things take time but we believe are heading in the right direction.’

Mr Mackison went on to mention a few examples of projects being taken forward in association with local communities.

For a full list of the projects mentioned, go to www.lochaber times.co.uk