The Alcan Primary Metal Smelter at Fort William also has links back to the 1920's. The plant was built here to utilise the local hydro-electric potential. At the far end of the local mountain chain, (* see below), Loch Treig was dammed and it's level raised. A tunnel was built to bring the water all the way to feed ultimately, 12 double turbine-generator sets. They produced electricity that was used to smelt the aluminium. As a by-product, Fort William was also one of the first of the Highland towns to receive electricity.
The equipment that I was here to commission was part of a plant upgrade that will help to keep the smelter working into the future.

(* the local hills are from west to east - Ben Nevis - Carn Mor Dearg - Aonach Mor & Beag - The Grey Corries - all fine walking hills. 8 Munros, 16 Tops all told. Not a walk in the park. (Gordon will appreciate this comment!) Ben Nevis of course, is at 1344m, the highest peak in the UK. These hills are magnificent, the Grey Corrie ridge in particular is one of my favourite, not too difficult, winter expeditions.)

Please Note! - Legal bit. The comments with these photo's are mine and do not represent the official policy of any one mentioned. I take no responsibility for the accuracy of any of this. All images are my copyright. You may not reproduce any part of this site without my prior permission. The names "Alcan", "GP&A", "Alstom Sigma" and "GEC" are trademarks owned by their respective companies.