Governance
FW2040 is supported by several groups that help oversee, guide and deliver the programme.
Programme Board
The FW2040 Programme Board oversees the delivery of the programme. The Board meets four times a year to review progress, identify challenges and support joint working between partner organisations.
The Chair, is reviewed annually but through agreement of the partners an individual may stay in post for up to three years. The current Chair is Alison Clark, Chief Officer Housing and Communities, Highland Council.
Who is represented:
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- Crown Estate Scotland
- Highland Council
- HITRANS
- West Highland Chamber of Commerce
- Lochaber Community Partnership
- NHS Highland
- Scottish Government Economic Development Directorate
- Transport Scotland
- Fort William Business Improvement District
Community Stakeholders' Group
This group represents community views and helps shape the programme, maintaining regular communication between the FW2040 Programme Board and community stakeholders. Members can discuss projects, share ideas and identify opportunities to support delivery. The group meets as needed, usual two to four times a year. For the last two years an annual joint meeting has been held with the FW2040 Board. The next one is scheduled for February/March 2027.
The group is currently chaired by Dr Michael Foxley of Ardgour Community Council. The Chair position is reviewed each year. Following this review, the current Chair may remain in post if members agree.
Who is represented:
- Ardgour Community Council
- Caol Community Council
- Fort William, Inverlochy and Torlundy Community Council
- Highland Council Youth Services
- Councillor John Grafton (Ward 11)
- Councillor Thomas MacLennan (Ward 21)
- Kilmallie Community Council
- Lochaber Environmental Group
- Nether Lochaber Community Council
- Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry Community Council
- Voluntary Action Lochaber
Transport Sub-Group
The Transport sub-group oversees projects that support the FW2040 vision of creating 'a connected place'.The groups aims to deliver and move forward all transport and travel Masterplan projects by working collaboratively and with relevant partner organisations.
The group is chaired by Paul Reid, Chief Officer Facilities and Fleet Management, Highland Council. The Transport Group is chaired by a senior Highland Council officer with responsibility for transport and this arrangement was agreed when the group was established. The Chair may change if personnel or remits change.
Who is represented:
- Highland Council
- Fort William, Inverlochy and Torlundy Community Council
- Caol Community Council
- Kilmallie Community Council
- Transport Scotland
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- HITRANS
- NHS Highland
- Scottish Canals
- Fort William Active Travel Group
- West Highland Community Rail Partnership
- West Highland Chamber of Commerce
- Shiel Buses
- Network Rail
FW2040 Project Manager
The FW2040 Project Manager coordinates the delivery of the FW2040 programme, working with partners, stakeholders and local communities to help progress projects and support the shared vision for Fort William and Lochaber.
The role supports governance, community engagement, funding opportunities, study commissioning, and reporting on progress to the FW2040 Programme Board and Lochaber Area Committee.
The Project Manager helps to co-ordinate and administer the Programme Board, the Community Stakeholders' Group and the Transport Sub-Group, and keeps these webpages up to date.