National Museum to unveil Scottish lighthouse exhibition

By Christine Lavelle

SCOTLAND’S lighthouses are being celebrated in a new exhibition at the National Museum in Edinburgh.

Marking the 200th anniversary of the world’s longest surviving lighthouse – the Bell Rock near Arbroath – the display tells the story of the people who built and operated some of the country’s oldest lighthouses.

It features unseen collections including giant optics, beacons, photographs and models – some of which date back to the 17th century.

The Bell Rock was designed by Robert Stevenson, whose family had strong connections with Scottish Lighthouses, who designed and built almost every one of Scotland’s 208 lighthouses.

Major repair work to Scotland’s lighthouses

By ALEXANDER LAWRIE

MAJOR REPAIR work to Scotland’s lighthouses is to begin with the oldest rock-based structure in the British Isles later this year.

The Northern Lighthouse Board is seeking contractors with a head for heights to carry out work on some the country’s most remote buildings.

And the first lighthouse to be given a makeover is the 200 year-old Bell Rock, situated 12 miles off the Angus coast.

The work will pose many challenges for tradesmen because of its, remote location, dangerous tidal conditions and isolation.

Lighthouse keeper opens the most remote cafe in Scotland

By Rebecca Jamieson

VISITORS to Cape Wrath, one of the most remote areas in Scotland, will now be able to enjoy a nice cup of tea when they reach their secluded holiday destination.

Customers will face a ferry ride and a three-hour trek up a stony path before they reach the most isolated café in Scotland.

But visiting the café – which is situated in a lighthouse on a cliff top – will be worth it for the stunning views.

Lighthouse keeper John Ure plans to sell teas, coffees and sandwiches next month once the visitors start arriving.

He said: “It must have the best views of any café.

“You regularly see whales and dolphins in the sea below and we get visits from sea and golden eagles.

“There are also lots of red deer, badgers and foxes.”