Britain’s only aluminium smelter, located at Fort William, has been singled out for praise in a motion submitted to the Scottish Parliament by Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron.
The smelter, operated by ALVANCE British Aluminium, has assisted the fight against the coronavirus virus by taking on a rush job to produce 20 tons of oxygen bottles for treating patients who have contracted Covid-19.
The smelter has also donated protective face masks to its local hospital, the Belford, in Fort William.
Mr Cameron said: “The smelter is one of many local businesses that are going the extra mile during this emergency."
“It’s very reassuring to see how our business community has been so flexible and creative in its response to the pandemic.”
Mr Cameron’s motion reads:
Title: Fort William Smelter Support for Action to Tackle COVID-19
Motion Text: That the Parliament commends the contribution made by the ALVANCE British Aluminium smelter in Fort William and its workforce to the action to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; understands that the company is producing 20 tons of oxygen bottles, which will be used to treat patients with COVID-19; further understands that it donated protective facemasks to the Belford Hospital; acknowledges the support that so many businesses such as ALVANCE British Aluminium have given to their local communities in the Highlands and Islands and elsewhere, and wishes the smelter and its workforce every success in their future endeavours.