Progress has been very slow over the past few months but we continue to pursue our aim of achieving a significant land transaction in favour of the community. We are still in communication with the Scottish Government and GFG Alliance; meetings are ongoing and we have the advice and support of Community Land Scotland.

It is now exactly two years since Rio Tinto announced their review and the idea of a community option was first introduced as a possibility in the Lochaber News. I was quoted then as saying “there is a long way to go here” and that has certainly proven to be correct!

We continue to be patient with the GFG Alliance as they appraise the potential of the site and make plans. Job security has been paramount for us and we have always respected and supported that. At the same time we note the considerable expansion underway for the GFG Alliance in several locations around the World as we strive for an agreement here.

The Scottish Government still wants to see a sustainable land transaction in relation to significant portions of the estate and GFG Alliance has undertaken to support this. We continue to be grateful for the support and advice of officials from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Accordingly, we remain determined and still have the confidence to press on, encouraging members to advocate the case whenever possible.