SSE commitment to 'local jobs' in Highlands and Islands

Energy giant SSE has made a commitment to create new apprenticeships and also recruit staff from communities close to planned new developments.

The aims are set out in an agreement partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

SSE and UHI said the collaboration would boost local job opportunities in areas such as Caithness, Sutherland and the Great Glen.

The partnership includes the creation of a new apprenticeship programme.

SSE said it would it would "target" local areas around proposed new developments for the recruitment and training of future employees.

The company is behind proposals for an £800m hydro electric scheme in Lochaber and a £700m subsea cable to link renewable energy projects on the Western Isles with mainland Scotland.