The new owners of Lochaber's aluminium smelter could create "hundreds of new jobs" in the Highlands, according to union Unite.

The organisation has pledged to work with the GFG Alliance after it purchased the smelter and other associated land and assets from Australian company Rio Tinto for £330 million earlier this month.

In addition, the deal included some 120,000 acres of land that Unite said could form part one of Scotland's largest community land buy-outs, headed by the East Lochaber and Laggan Community Trust.

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Unite regional officer Richard Whyte said the union looks forward to discussions with the GFG Alliance, the Community Trust, and any other party "who has jobs and industry for Lochaber on its agenda".

"If the new owner's plans are brought to fruition, they should create hundreds of new jobs for Lochaber and be a shot in the arm for industry in the Highlands," he said.

"The proposed community land buy-out by the East Lochaber and Laggan Community Trust also has a focus on economic development and job creation and we're very encouraged by both these developments."

(LM)