A £12m hydro power station has been officially opened in the Highlands.

The facility on the Abhainn Chia-aig river about 20 miles north of Fort William took two years to build.

It generated electricity for the first time in February and was inaugurated on Wednesday.

Opening the Cig Aig station on Wednesday, energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "This 3MW hydro scheme will help contribute to the growing importance of hydro generation in Scotland - the largest source of renewable power in Scotland after onshore wind.

"I welcome RWE Innogy UK's commitment to provide community benefit funding associated with their renewables schemes including their Cia Aig hydro development.

"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the development of renewables - including hydropower - as part of Scotland's balanced energy portfolio.

"We are already developing an overarching energy strategy, setting out what we can do to optimise the benefits of Scotland's significant energy resources and expertise through to 2030."

Meanwhile, a plan has been tabled for a £200m hydro power station on Lewis which would use seawater to create electricity.

Scotland's first community hydro power station is due to open in Aberdeen in October.