Talks to sell off Scots smelter

The operators of Fort William’s aluminium smelter confirmed last night that they are in negotiations to sell the facility to a “preferred bidder”.

With more than 150 staff, the Rio Tin to owned operation is one of the largest employers in the Lochaber area.

The smelter, located near Ben Nevis, is the company’s last surviving aluminium smelter in the UK. It has operated for almost 90 years but the mining and metals group announced in January announced a strategic review of its operations.

It has now informed its Fort William staff that a sale is not automatic and that if a deal fell through, it would consider its options, including maintaining the status quo.

A spokesman for the Rio Tinto conglomerate said: “Following a thorough

“It’s massively important for the British economy”

review of all options, we have todayemployees that we have concluded that divestment provides the best potential for a longterm and sustainable future for the operations, its employees and the development of economic activities around Fort William.”

He added: “We’re continuing discussions with a preferred bidder for a potential sale of the entire operation.”

Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor Brian Murphy, who worked at the Alcan power station for 21 years, has followed the events closely.

Confirming that he was expecting an imminent announcement, he said: “It’s massively important for the British economy, so it’s encouraging to know that there’s somebody interested in buying the operation, possibly as a going concern.”