From a young age, David Fairgrieve had a clear interest in chemistry and maths, and when he joined Lochaber Smelter in 2003 at just 21 years old, he was determined to build a career where he could put that interest into practice. He began as an Operator, progressed through roles in Process Control and Shift Management, and went on to complete an HNC in chemical engineering. Today, after more than two decades on site, David works as a Technical Supervisor.

For David, the connection to Lochaber is both professional and personal. His father, Harry, worked at the smelter as a Reliability Engineer. One of his grandfather’s began in the Cell Room in 1947. John (Jackie) Park and Bill Fairgrieve started in Kinlochleven in 1948. Harry has only retired in the last 10 years.

His wife, Emma’s father, John Donaldson, also worked in the Casting Department, and Emma herself now runs the JAHAMA venison shop. Together, the Fairgrieve family can proudly count over 120 years of service to the production industry in Lochaber.

“It feels good knowing our family has played such a steady part in the smelter’s story,” David says. “You don’t spend twenty or forty-plus years somewhere unless it is worthwhile. Aluminium has been good to our family.”

David has witnessed many changes since his family began working here, particularly in technology and health and safety. “The protective equipment is far better now,” he reflects. “When you look back at the old photographs, especially from my grandfather’s era, in the Soderberg plant, for example, you can see just how much things have improved, and that progress is something we can all be grateful for.”

For David, the strength of Lochaber Smelter has always been in its training, stability, and sense of belonging. He would be happy to see his own children continue the tradition. “This job has given my family a lot, and a career in aluminium can take you anywhere in the world. I have had the opportunity to visit various sites in Norway, Iceland and France, but Lochaber Smelter remains a centre of excellence for sharing best practice”.

His message to young people in Lochaber is simple. “It is a place where people want to stay, and that in itself tells you something about the company if you are looking for a job that is rewarding.”

The Fairgrieve family’s journey is one of many that show how deeply the smelter is part of life in Lochaber and it is a delight to be able to share these stories.