A Highland community has launched a bid to buy the estate around an under-threat smelter.

Rio Tinto announced earlier this year it was reviewing its aluminium and hydroelectric operations in Lochaber, with approximately 160 jobs at risk.

East Lochaber and Laggan Community Trust was created with the aim of running the land around the smelter after Rio Tinto revealed it was in discussions with potential investors.

The trust is holding a series of public meetings this week on its proposals to work with smelter operators to acquire the land.

If successful, the community-led buyout would cover an estimated 120,000 acre estate stretching from Glencoe to Kinlochleven in the south.

John Hutchison, chairman of the trust, said he had been encouraged by the response to the buyout from the meetings held so far.

He said: "There is the potential for all kinds of uses for the estate including small housing, sporting, small water generation and lots of others.

"The reaction has been good so far, with most people at the meetings signing up to become members and we have been able to address some misunderstandings around what we're looking to do.

"We are not looking to buy or run the smelter but it would be in a more complementary role, allowing the community to derive the benefit and income from owning the land."

Mr Hutchison added: "We are not set on any specific proposals for the estate. If we are successful in this, there would be a series of further community meetings and the creation of a business plan to decide on those."

The trust has emphasised the final say on what happens to the land rests with Rio Tinto.

Earlier this month, the company said it was holding discussion with potential "partners, investors or buyers".

When it announced the review of its Highland assets, it said "all options" for the smelter, hydroelectric operations and associated estate would be considered.