Alvance British Aluminium and Jahama Highland Estates recently held their annual Christmas party for employees and their families, continuing a long-standing local tradition at Lochaber Smelter. The celebrations took place at Fort William Shinty Club and brought together colleagues, families and children from across the sites.

Santa lost in the crowd of excited youngsters after receiving their presents. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

A highlight of the event was Santa’s visit, with gifts distributed to the children of employees. In recognition of his many years supporting the annual celebrations, Santa was presented with a Length of Service Award by Jane MacDonald, Operations Manager. The award recognised his long-standing commitment over many years to the event and his role in ensuring every child receives a gift each year.

Over the years, Santa has also become an honorary member of the site’s Power and Hydro team, regularly engaging with power maintenance engineers during his visits. With a nod to the site’s long-standing engineering tradition, aluminium’s strength and lightweight properties were once again credited with helping to keep his sleigh in good working order.

Entertainment on the day was provided by Maddie’s Children’s Parties and Discos, Fort William, helping to create a festive atmosphere for families throughout the afternoon.

As part of the Christmas celebrations, the Alvance British Aluminium Social Committee raised over £2,000 for local charities, through a Lucky Squares fundraiser, shared between three local charities making a meaningful difference across Lochaber. including Highland Action for Little Ones (HALO), which supports families facing financial pressures; Love in a Box Lochaber, a volunteer group distributing Christmas gifts to children across Lochaber; and Lochaber Foodbank, which provides food support to individuals and families in crisis.

A big well done to Simon Hunter, who won the other half of the Lucky Squares draw and walked away with just over £1,000. The Social Committee also ran a 12 Days of Christmas giveaway, with staff randomly selected to win vouchers from local businesses, alongside an extra day of annual leave for two very lucky winners, Ryan Johnstone from the Jahama Highland Estates team and Colleen MacLean.

The annual Christmas parties remain an important part of the company calendar, reflecting strong community spirit and a positive way to end the year.

Steven Campbell with one of the youngest Alvance party goers is amazed to receive a gift from Santa Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos.

(L to R) Mark Cairney, Power Maintenance Engineer, and Lynn Cameron, Business Improvement Facilitator, presenting the gifts.

A lovely festive get together with plenty of sweet and savoury treats, homemade pierogi, as well as tasty focaccia, slow-cooked ham, charcuterie, cheeses, pasta, mini cheesecakes, cakes, and so much more. There was a lot to enjoy and a big hit all round.