WEST Highland Gas has been operating since the 1960s as Calor Gas’s principal dealer throughout the West Coast of Scotland. In 1999, the company was bought over by John and Susan MacLachlan and incorporated into the Argyll Resources Group. In addition to the original Oban base, West Highland Gas now operates from depots in Mull, Fort William, Dunoon, Lochgilphead and Campbeltown. All depots also stock Air Liquide drinks dispense gas and are agents for BOC industrial and medical gases. A full delivery and cylinder connection service saves customers the inconvenience of transporting heavy cylinders or handling coal and bulky wood fuel products.
The depot at Ben Nevis Industrial Estate, Fort William, has recently had a new building installed with a new-look larger showroom enabling the display, similar to the other depots, of a range of LPG appliances, cookers, heaters, camping Gaz cylinders and accessories such as regulators and hoses. Stocked alongside are a wide range of welding equipment and consumables. Coal, logs, peat, briquettes, wood pellets, kindling and even salt (for de-icing) are also available with excellent discounts available for bulk purchases. Local Fort William man Colin Campbell joined the team earlier this year alongside Daniel MacNair, who has worked for a number of years with West Highland Gas in Oban and then Lochgilphead and brings his wealth of experience now to Fort William. ‘I’ve worked in construction for a number of years,’ said Colin, ‘but fancied a change and when the position with West Highland Gas came along, I thought it would be good to work more closely with the public and do something a bit different. I’m really enjoying the job, meeting our customers and doing deliveries throughout this lovely part of Scotland. Shortly after starting with the company, my construction experience was put to good use or ganising the installation of the building, which is a really big improvement. Daniel has been a great help showing me the ropes at the start, along with the company’s thorough in-house and external induction training programme in the uses, safe handling and transport of gas and system procedures.’ ‘Colin’s local knowledge has been a great help finding places but after several months, I think I know the area very well now!’ added Daniel. ‘We aim to provide a really great service. We are always prepared to go that extra mile to make sure folk get their gas when they need it and we know just how important that is, especially when the cold weather sets in. Between us, Colin and I make a good team to serve our customers here in Fort William and Lochaber. In the run up to Christmas we will be giving a warm welcome to customers with mince pies at the depot so do drop in and have a look around and a chat and if you are needing a delivery give us a ring on 01397 701414.’ West Highland Gas are now doing twice weekly delivery runs from their Lochgilphead depot in Kilmory Industrial Estate into the Campbeltown area. They are able to do deliveries to your door usually on a Tuesday and Friday so if you live in Campbeltown or anywhere en route from Lochgilphead give them a ring on 01546 602662. Keep warm and make sure you’re cooking with gas this Christmas. In the run up to Christmas, if you buy either a 15kg, 19kg or 47kg Calor gas cylinder, £5 will be deducted off the first cylinder on presentation of the voucher below. Offer available from now until December 23, 2016, at all depots.