Rio Tinto has been criticised for a "lack of transparency" over its decision to sell its smelting plant in Lochaber.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSPs Rhoda Grand and David Stewart said staff need more information on their futures.

Last week STV News revealed the firm planned to sell off the plant, which employs around 170 people.

The British-Australian firm has made $6.2bn worth of cuts over the last three years.

Mrs Grant, who has spoken to the firm since the announcement, said: "I am concerned about the lack of transparency, especially as there are so many skilled jobs reliant on Rio Tinto remaining in Lochaber.

"It has been many months since the firm started this process and, although I have had a number of meetings with the local management and found them very approachable, the amount of information on the table is now scant.

"Staff need more information as this has been hanging over them for too long."

Mr Stewart said: "The plant's importance as a major employer in the Lochaber economy is said to be seven times as significant as the Tata Steel works to Lanarkshire.

"Hundreds of jobs are also supported in the company's supply chain.

"It is Important to keep these skilled jobs in Lochaber and it is important for the whole of the country as the only remaining aluminium smelter in the UK."

A spokesman for Rio Tinto said: "Ever since we announced the strategic review, we have worked hard to ensure that our employees, their representatives, the local community, politicians and other stakeholders are kept up-to-date as the review has progressed.

"The detail of our discussions with the preferred bidder has to remain confidential but we have made a commitment to our people and the community to keep them informed as we move forward."