Fort William factory site to be studied after battlefield setback
AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL study will determine whether plans for a new car wheel factory in Fort William infringe on the site of two historical battlefields.
GFG Alliance has commissioned an archaeological study on land earmarked for a £120m factory development after Historic Environment Scotland (HES) claimed this week the project may lie within the site of two battlefields at Inverlochy of ‘national significance’.
An HES spokesperson said: ‘We fully recognise the potential economic boost this expansion of industry could make to the area, however, because of the importance of the designated sites, we advised the developer should undertake some explora- tory work to further inform their proposals and welcome their decision to conduct an impact assessment.’
In response to HES’ claims, GFG Alliance said it wants to continue to ‘develop in a sensitive manner’ and have therefore arranged for a professional archaeological study on the site.
A statement from GFG said: ‘We’ve taken up the recommendation of the Highland Council and commissioned a professional assessment to establish whether or not there might be any risk and, if so, to include appropriate mitigation measures in our planning application, which we hope to submit in November.’
A GFG spokesperson later commented: ‘This is all part of the process.
‘We’re not expecting it to delay anything, but we need to receive what the archaeologists say and respond to that. It’s hard to say what impact it will have on the plans until we hear from them.’
On Tuesday, MP for Lochaber Ian Blackford, along with Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell MP, visited GFG’s aluminium smelter in Fort William, to hear of these plans, which, if given the green light, will employ 400 people.
On the issue of the archaeological study, Mr Blackford said: ‘Obviously this is something that has to be looked into, studied carefully and recorded as part of the area’s history.
‘I am sure Liberty GFG Alliance will take all findings into account and do what they can to mitigate any issues, while still proceeding with its plans to build the new factory, which will be a vital contributor to the future prosperity of Lochaber’