The purpose of this web site is to inform the public about Kinlochleven. Little is known about this beautiful part of Scotland. Once a thriving, though isolated, industrial community created by the demand for aluminium at the beginning of the 20th century it is successfully ridding itself of the 'factory town' image.

Since the demise of the aluminium smelter in June 2000 the community is actively engaged in redefining Kinlochleven from its 'Company Village' image to that of a truly rural village determined to develop through the controlled management of its many varied and unique natural resources.

The mountains rivers and lochs which persuaded British Aluminium to create Kinlochleven in the first place makes the village uniquely suited to the popular modern pastimes of hill-walking, climbing, sailing and fishing, most areas are as yet, not used to their full potential.

The population is mixed with many locals born and bred in the village and a large number of 'incomers' who have chosen to live in this tranquil community offering the most rugged and beautiful scenery in Scotland.

Once the main road to Fort William the village was by-passed by the advent of the car ferry at Ballachulish and latterly the road bridge. Seen by many residents as a good thing but by local retailers as a disaster, it of course depends on your point of view, personally I believe it has created a community determined to survive in isolation and equally determined to see their village develop in a manner best suited to them.

At present the community is striving to move forward to provide an even better environment for residents and visitors alike. However whilst the many varied agencies proffer plans and consultations to assist the community their is a growing belief that much of the moneys squandered on consultative processes and advisory groups would be better spent in the form of direct grants to the many local individuals and bodies prepared to invest their time and local knowledge in the provision of services and facilities to attract visitors to the area.