The 100th Investors in People (IiP) recognition in the Lochaber area has been presented to the Mallaig & North-West Fishermen's Association (MNWFA) by Ian Robertson, who recently joined the board of Lochaber Enterprise.

IiP is the national business development award which encourages organisations and companies to make the most of their key resource - their staff - by developing their skills in line with business objectives.

Lochaber Enterprise provided practical support and advice to the association to help them gain the award which is independently assessed and awarded.

Chief executive of Lochaber Enterprise Jackie Wright said: "This is a real feather in the cap of the Mallaig & North-West Fishermen's Association and demonstrates the diversity of organisations and businesses which can benefit from the IiP standard. This is also a significant milestone for Lochaber Enterprise and we look forward to working with many other organisations in the future so that they can benefit from the standard as well."

The celebration follows the fact that, some of the first fishing vessels in the UK to achieve IiP have come from members of the MNWFA. These include the Donna Marie, Progress and Karen Ann. Several other member vessels are currently working towards IiP assessment.

Commenting on their success, MNWFA secretary, Hugh Allen, said that the process between committing to IiP and assessment had encouraged the association to focus on its objectives, targets and internal administration, as well as helping to introduce a range of improvements.

"This has reaped important benefits for the association which finds itself in a fishing industry which is fast moving and in an ever-changing world. Because we have to constantly react to external events, sometimes domestic matters concerning the running of the association are in danger of being neglected. Investors in People has helped us take a good look at how we go about our business and to attempt to strive for consistently higher standards." said Mr Allen.

Other recent IiP recognitions in Lochaber include Kinlochleven Primary School, Arisaig House Hotel, Corriegour Lodge Hotel, The Moorings Guest House, Glenbay Cottages, Ardochy House and Lochaber Action on Disability.