John Lamont MP, the Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for Scotland, toured a selection of Lochaber business sites on Thursday September 28 in a visit hosted by Lochaber Chamber of Commerce (LCC).
Mr Lamont, the Conservative MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, was accompanied by LCC chief executive Frazer Coupland as he made stops at BSW Timber, Thomas Telford Corpach Marina, and Ben Nevis Holiday Park.
They also visited the UHI Advanced Manufacturing Centre, as well as Mowi’s salmon processing factory at Blar Mhor, and met members of LCC’s premium member group and board of directors.
Among the company representatives meeting the touring party were Oliver Stephen of BSW, David Campbell of UHI Advanced Manufacturing, and Scott Nolan and Dougie Hunter of Mowi.
Speaking of the visit, Mr Lamont said it was fascinating to visit Fort William and praised LCC for its role in making the area both attractive to tourism and a centre for business excellence.
He added: “Fresh thinking has delivered facilities such as the Thomas Telford Marina at Corpach, with great opportunities for growing the nautical tourism sector, boosting the community with jobs, and its community café as a waterfront attraction.
“BWS Timber are looking to recruit more staff, which is excellent news, and looking at making more use of rail, taking more vehicles off the road. Mowi’s Blair Mhor factory has benefited from £2 million from the UK Government’s UK Seafood Fund, introducing automation so it can handle a world-class 200 salmon per minute.
“So there is much to be optimistic about in Lochaber, but I have heard loud and clear that transport issues – poor roads and especially the troubled Corran Ferry – are a critical issue. It’s hurting communities and businesses alike.
“Transport is the responsibility of the Scottish Government, but as a minister with the UK Government’s Scotland Office, it is vital that I understand the issues – and I will be pressing for urgent action.”
Mr Coupland said: “Minister Lamont’s visit was a fantastic opportunity to be able to showcase just how much innovation, development and potential there is in our area.
“Lochaber is a powerhouse on the journey to net zero, and we were delighted to be able to showcase some of the innovative approaches to sustainable development being undertaken by companies here. It was also useful to be able to discuss the key infrastructure challenges of transport and the urgent need for more housing provision directly with the UK government.”