Bronze sculpture is centrepiece of Inverlochy facelift.

A £230,000 project of improvements to give the village of Inverlochy a facelift has been completed, providing a greatly enhanced environment for locals and visitors.

Taking pride of place in the new look village centre is a bronze sculpture depicting a life-sized figure of an aluminium worker “breaking the crust”.  This impressive statue, created by sculptor David Annand, celebrates the village’s special history and strong links with the aluminium industry.  It is complemented by three new interpretation panels erected nearby that provide information and promote the local area. 

The Highland Council appointed Breedon Aggregates as contractors for the upgrading works which included streetscape work and installing of new bus stop, and improvements to footways. The funding package for the regeneration work came from the Council’s Planning and Development Services Capital Programme with an additional £15,750 through the Highland Leader Programme and £10,000 contributed by Rio Tinto Alcan.

Lochaber Councillor Brian Murphy said:  “I am very pleased the project has been successful and the village given such a welcome boost.  A very pleasant area for visitors and locals has been greatly enhanced thanks to careful design and the quality of the work   With the addition of our eye catching bronze worker we have a permanent reminder of the men and women of our community who played an important part in the aluminium industry in the Highlands.”

Works Director with Rio Tinto Alcan, David Ian Jones said: “As we all know the village of Inverlochy was built around aluminium and many of this community worked at the plant. The bronze worker, which looks fantastic, is a fitting reminder to us all of the dedication people gave and continue to give, to our plant over many years. We at Rio Tinto Alcan are proud to have been a sponsor of this project and the resultant improvements greatly enhance the village making it attractive for both the local community and visitors to the area.”

Councillor Murphy and David Ian Jones joined members of the local community on Monday to view the completed works. 

Sculpture David Annand was unable to attend but speaking from his foundry in Cupar he said:  “It was a great commission to work on. To have a sculpture within the sight of Ben Nevis is enough of a privilege but to have one that celebrates the sacrifices and endeavours of the working men of the Aluminium smelter is terrific. I hope this piece of sculpture serves its purpose and while celebrating the past, helps to enrich the future heritage of Inverlochy."