'The salvation of this district and far beyond': Aluminium Production and the Politics of Highland Development

Abstract

First paragraph: Giving evidence before the House of Commons sub-committee considering the Lochaber Water Power Bill of 1921 – the statutory instrument for the establishment of the British Aluminium Company Ltd’s third Highland aluminium smelter and hydro-electric power scheme – the former Provost of Fort William, Colin Young, declared: 'I am a whole hearted supporter of this scheme for in it I see the salvation of this district and far beyond.' British Aluminium’s other developments in the west Highlands – their two other smelters at Foyers and Kinlochleven (opened respectively in 1896, and between 1907 and 1909), as well as the Company’s large estates, housing and hydro-electric schemes – had already amply demonstrated both the profound economic and social impact both locally and on the region as a whole.