Kinlochleven

Kinlochleven

ID: QZP40_CARD_3465 DESCRIPTION: A view of Kinlochleven, at the eastern extent of Loch Leven. Situated south-east of Fort William, Kinlochleven translates from the original Gaelic as 'head' of Loch Leven. The Mamore Mountains, which include ten munros, can be seen towering in the background. Kinlochleven grew up around the Aluminium Processing Plant during the early twentieth century. Houses were rapidly erected in the region to cope with the burgeoning workforce. In 1907, a hydroelectric dam was constructed by the British Aluminium Company to supply power to its processing plant and the surrounding village. Its completion created the Blackwater Reservoir. The dam, at 914 metres, is the longest in the Highlands. Today, the aluminium works no longer function, and the area now derives much of its income from tourism. The impressive scenery offers ample opportunities for hillwalkers and the nearby Ice Factor, the largest indoor ice climbing centre in the world, has boosted the regions profile in recent years. PLACENAME: Kinlochleven DISTRICT: North Lorn OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ARGYLL: Lismore and Appin SOURCE: Highland Libraries COLLECTION: Highland Libraries' Postcard Collection Asset ID: 35311 KEYWORDS: