Given that most people see some link between Brexit and expansion of production at the Smelter, it’s not surprising that in recent weeks we have had several enquiries about the likelihood of a land deal happening. It also has to be acknowledged that some queries have arisen following various press reports of scrutiny of the GFG Alliance.  While we make no comment on these we can reflect that that the original reason for setting up the Trust almost exactly four years ago was because of uncertainty – we believed that while the Smelter operations could continue owing to the water

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

Progress continues to be slow but we still move forwards. Although we were initially content with the principle of the GFG Alliance instructing a review of the entire estate, we have become disappointed with the eventual timescale as the conclusion is still some weeks away. We continue to engage with the company and, at their invitation, have now submitted a proposal that recognises the emerging industrial development proposals which we welcome. We understand that nothing has yet been ruled out as far as the community is concerned. Over the past few weeks we have continued discussion with parties in the

Approaching 130 from Laggan to Kinlochleven to Inveraray attended our Extraordinary General Meeting on 25th April in Fort William which allowed the formality of appointing the directors nominated by the membership. The meeting also heard a report from the board on activities over the past year. A full AGM will be held around October. Following the EGM we were privileged to hear from Faye MacLeod on “Why Community Ownership?” Faye is a partner with Campbell Stewart MacLennan & Co in Portree and Benbecula, who carried out the Financial Analysis on the Rio Tinto Aluminium Estates for the Trust last year.

An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Trust will be held in the Duncansburgh Macintosh Church Hall, Fort William at 7pm on Tuesday 25th April 2017. This will be followed by a Members’ Gathering with a keynote speaker and opportunity for discussion. Please note that while Ordinary members are entitled to attend and vote (or appoint a proxy), Associate and Junior members are not able to vote but are very welcome to attend the EGM. John C Hutchison Secretary AGENDA 1. Welcome 2. Apologies 3. Appointment of Directors nominated by Members Following a call for directors with a deadline on 27th

The EGM on 25th April will be followed by a Gathering when Faye MacLeod will speak on “Why Community Ownership?” Faye is a partner with Campbell Stewart MacLennan & Co in Portree and Benbecula, who carried out the Financial Analysis on the Rio Tinto Aluminium Estates for the Trust last year. She has much experience of working with community landowners in the North and West and is highly regarded across the sector. All are welcome and there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion.