Past and present employees of the UK’s only remaining aluminium factory gathered in Fort William last month to mark the 90th anniversary of the Lochaber hydro-electric plant and smelter — one of Scotland’s iconic industrial plants.

The factory was acquired by the GFG Alliance for 330 million euros three years ago and currently produces up to 50,000 tonnes of aluminium annually.

Coinciding with this event, the GFG Alliance published its first Scottish report — detailing industrial investment of £500 million in six aluminium, steel and energy sites around the country, the creation or preservation of over 400 jobs and spending nearly £22 million with local suppliers.

GFG Alliance executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta (www.gfgalliance.com) said: “The Lochaber complex was an engineering triumph, requiring 2,000 men to drive tunnels through the solid rock of the Ben Nevis range.

"That ‘can do’ spirit has endured for generations, as Lochaber has kept lights ablaze and provided high-quality metal for use across British industry.

"I’m very proud that the GFG Alliance is not only keeping that tradition going in Lochaber but also investing in staff, capacity and downstream manufacturing.

"This is a very special place, and it is a privilege to be a part of its history.

"As we drive this project forward, we have added 40 people to our Fort William team.”

Liberty has invested nearly £5 million in preparatory work for a downstream manufacturing plant in Fort William. The options under consideration include an automotive wheels plant or — in view of the downturn in UK car production — the manufacture of other items, such as water bottles.

Elsewhere in Scotland, GFG’s report outlines growing production from its Liberty Steel Dalzell plant at Motherwell, along with an increase in hydro-power generation at Kinlochleven and a doubling of tidal-energy generation at the Meygen project off the Scottish coast.