Kinlochleven comprises two villages, Kinlochmore in the old County of Invernessshire and Kinlochleven in the old County of Argyllshire. Together they are collectively known as Kinlochleven.

The present town was created originally by British Aluminium to house the workforce required to construct the Blackwater Dam, power station, harbour and of course the aluminium smelter. Smelting finally ceased in the summer of 2000 after almost a century of producing the highest quality aluminium in the UK. Many view the closure with sadness as the economy of the village was dependent, to a large extent, on aluminium production. The power station remains and is an important producer of Hydro Electricty in the Highlands.

The potential of Kinlochleven as a tourist attraction has long since been evident in that hundreds of hillwalkers pass through it annually as it lies on the West Highland Way. Its situation, nestling below some of Scotland's highest peaks, gives it the atmosphere of isolation combined with a rugged beauty second to none in the Highlands.

A peaceful somewhat sleepy village it offers visitors a real taste of the Highlands and is an ideal centre for exploring further afield to nearby Glencoe and Fort William areas. Part of its attraction is that it lies off the main tourist routes. Accommodation is available in hotels, numerous B&B establishments and bunkhouse.