This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Donald Dewar launches new business park for Kinlochleven
12/10/1998
Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar today opened Kinlochleven's new Business Park which is part of a £3 million development on the site of the former carbon factory in the village.
Mr Dewar said that the development which includes a "cowboy " style bunkhouse for walkers and climbers and a call centre which provides jobs for 12 local people was a key asset to the local economy as it moved away from dependence on aluminium smelting.
Mr Dewar said:
"Reclaiming old industrial land is an expensive business, but the creation of Kinlochleven's new Business Park has been well worth the costs, which have included £750,000 of Government support through HIE and Lochaber Limited. Local people can be justifiably proud of this new facility, which will prove a valuable asset as the local economy continues to move on to a broader base.
"The Kinlochleven Land Development Trust, which is developing the Business Park, has proved to be a unique and highly effective partnership, involving both the public and private sectors. It is to the credit of all the organisations concerned that the village has gained such an important facility.
"The Trust has done a great deal to generate economic solutions which are relevant and capable of meeting the needs of local people. But, more importantly, it has shown the commitment to convert proposals into action and results. Modern communications technology means that geographical remoteness matters less and less in many sectors of business. I am certain that the new Business Park, and the companies it attracts, will do a great deal to provide new job opportunities."
BACKGROUND
1. Kinlochleven Business Park occupies the site of the village's former carbon factory, following extensive decontamination and redevelopment work.
2. The development has been undertaken by the Kinlochleven Land Development Trust, which comprises representatives from Lochaber Limited, Highland Council and the local community. Alcan are also represented on the Trust, and have contributed £700,000 towards redevelopment projects in Kinlochleven. Other contributions have come from the European Union (£1,300,000), Lochaber Limited/Highlands and Islands Enterprise (£750,000), Highland Council (£175,000), Historic Scotland (£370,000) and Scottish Natural Heritage (£50,000).
News Release: 2054/98
12 October 1998