How M8 Scaffolding supported specialist repairs at Europe’s only underground quartz sand mine
Tucked away near Fort William on the west coast of Scotland, Lochaline Quartz Sand (LQS) is home to Europe’s only underground quartz sand mine. The facility plays a vital role in producing the ultra-pure sand used for glassmaking, ceramics, and high-grade industrial products.
Recently, M8 Scaffolding was called in to help with a challenging but rewarding job — erecting an access scaffold 20 metres up to enable the replacement of a key industrial hoist.
Industrial-grade precision in a remote location
Working in a remote site like Lochaline means there’s no popping back to the yard for missing parts. Our team had to plan meticulously to ensure we brought exactly the right scaffold components to complete the job in one go. Delays due to missing gear simply weren’t an option. The scaffold had to be securely tied into existing steel structures using beam clamps, allowing access for the hoist replacement without interfering with the site’s normal workflow.
Working safely while production continues
As with any working quarry, safety was paramount. We provided a full set of Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) to the site’s operations manager, detailing how we would complete the project safely and in compliance with the quarry’s strict safety procedures. We also timed the job carefully to coincide with lower activity levels at the mine. With heavy vehicles and machinery in constant operation, coordination and communication were key.
This job showcases our expertise in delivering high-quality scaffolding on busy, complex industrial sites — even in remote Highland locations. The client was delighted with the end result, complimenting both our workmanship and the professionalism of our on-site team.
Whether it’s a city-centre renovation, a rural hotel, or a functioning industrial site, M8 Scaffolding brings the same high standard of planning, safety, and delivery every time.
