Lochaber is set for a major jobs boost following the announcement of a £1.6m (pounds) investment in one of the area's key fish processing plants.

25 new full-time jobs will be created and a further 30 jobs retained at Marine Harvest Limited's (MHL) principal processing plant on the Scottish mainland at Blar Mhor industrial estate, Fort William which is to be upgraded.

Marine Harvest Limited is a subsidiary of the Netherlands based aquaculture company Nutreco Holdings.

The work involves the installation of a new size grading and automated packing system as well as upgrading chill facilities which will improve overall processing efficiency.

The development aims to increase the capacity from 16,000 to 23,000 tonnes per year.

MHL processing and logistics director Andrew Jackson said: "This development marks a significant increase in Marine Harvest's processing capacity. The project confirms Nutreco's commitment to the continuing development and growth of Marine Harvest and its ability to deliver a quality product to its customers in the UK and Europe.

"The jobs created will further enhance the company's substantial contribution to the economy of Lochaber."

Marine Harvest Limited currently processes a total of 35,000 tonnes of salmon per year and this latest investment will see an increase of 7,000 tonnes to 42,000 tonnes in Scottish production, over the next three years.

The development is being supported by the local enterprise company, Lochaber Limited, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network with a financial package worth £215,000 (pounds).

Chief executive Jackie Wright of Lochaber Limited said: "This is tremendous news for Fort William which will bring full-time jobs to the area and further strengthen the local economy.

"We recognise the need to change the perception of jobs in the fish processing industry and are currently working on this issue with local companies and recruitment specialists.

"An investment of this size indicates the company's confidence in the market and a long-term commitment to the region."