About our area

Lochaber covers an area of more 4,450 square kilometres and, from the 2001 census, has a population of 18,740, a fall of three percent from 1991.  The Ardnamurchan and Morvern peninsula was the only part of Lochaber to show an increase in population.

The area's main industries include aluminium smelting, aquaculture, tourism, fishing, agriculture and quarrying. with the service sector playing a key supporting role.  There are four multi-national firms in the area which employ significant numbers, but more than 80 per cent of Lochaber businesses employ fewer than 25 people.

Most inhabitants live around Fort William and in a number of smaller settlements such as Mallaig, Kinlochleven and Ballachulish.  The rest are small villages, crofting townships and on the small isles.

Over the last decade, unemployment in Lochaber has shown a fairly steady decline, rising slightly in 2003-04 due to contraction in  a number of industries including the paper making and service sectors.  Unemployment in April 2004 was 2.5 per cent compared to 2.3 percent a year before.  In Ardnamurchan and west Lochaber the average remains significantly higher.

Recruitment of sufficient numbers of skilled staff can be difficult for businesses in Lochaber and the local enterprise company is continuing to work with employers and other agencies to alleviate this challenge.

Another significant issue is securing land for development and HIE Lochaber is working with local landowners and crotfers to secure additional land at Blar Mor for future business opportunities.