Lochaber residents, community groups, and local organisations are being invited to come together for Partnering for Progress, a dynamic community drop-in event at The Nevis Centre, Fort William, on Wednesday 12 November 2025.
Running from 1pm to 7pm, the free event will offer a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share ideas on the future of the Lochaber area.
The event will welcome Derek Brown, Chief Executive of The Highland Council, and Alastair Nicolson, Area Manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, who will be on hand to meet attendees, hear local perspectives, and explore ways to work together on key community priorities.
Hosted in partnership with Lochaber Community Partnership, Fort William 2040 (FW2040), The Highland Council, and Voluntary Action Lochaber, the event will bring residents, agencies, and community partners together under one roof to shape local progress through shared action.
Visitors will be able to drop in throughout the day to learn more, ask questions, and take part in discussions on a wide range of local initiatives, from health and transport to sustainability, employability, and the environment.
Topics include:
- NHS Care for People & SPOA (Single Point of Access) consultation
- Fort William Integrated Transport Plan
- Lochaber Health and Social Care Redesign
- Active Travel – Hi-Bikes and Wayfinding Project
- Uses of the proposed new community facility (Cow Hill Hall team)
- Building Tomorrow’s Museum Together (West Highland Museum)
- Work.Life.Highland (Employability Support)
- Fort William Business Improvement District priority projects
Attendees can also find out the latest on the new Belford Hospital, Place-Based Plans, Renewable Energy projects, Community Transport, and mentoring opportunities with MCR Pathways.
Funding and support advice will be available from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Highland Council’s Community Regeneration and Engagement Teams, Voluntary Action Lochaber, and Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS).
Cllr Kate Willis, Chair of the Lochaber Area Committee, said the event reflects the community’s spirit of collaboration and shared ambition.
“Partnering for Progress is a fantastic opportunity for residents, community groups, and organisations to come together and shape the future of Lochaber,” she said.
“This event reflects the strength of partnership across our communities and our shared commitment to listening, supporting, and building together.”
The event is free to attend and open to everyone in the community.
For more information, email highlandcpp@highland.gov.uk.
