Serving the Mariner since 1786 Journal Summer 2021

Butt of Lewis Refurbishment | Start Point Anniversary | Cadets | Orkney Lights StoryThree ofArtists a Buoy I Our | NLB Journey Stay atto HomeSustainability Lighthouse I Projects Competition I Spotlight | Maritime on our andStaff Me Journal Contents SUMMER 2021 | ISSUE NUMBER 118 1 Welcome from Mike Bullock

3 Message from the Chair 5-6 Alastair Beveridge

4 Mike Brew, Commissioner

5-9 9 Projects

10-13 Our Journey to Sustainability

14-19 Q&A - Spotlight on our Staf 11 to11 to15 15

8-9 20-21 4 Vessel Replacement Project

14 22-27 Three Artists

28 Museum of Scottish Lighthouses

14 29 30 Shetland’s Merchant Navy Memorial

12-15 30 12-15 22 Light the North

31 30-31 Salvage and Marine Operations

36 Appointments/Leavers/Retirements

20 © If you would like to reproduce any articles or photographs in the Journal, please contact the editor [email protected] or write to: Fiona Holmes, 84 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DA. Disclaimer: Published articles are not Front cover image: Painting of the Bell necessarily the views of the editor or Rock by former Keeper, Ian Longmuir the Northern Lighthouse Board. More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

In other news, many of you will be aware that NLB has been at the forefront of carbon reduction for more than 20 years. Solar power Welcome has long replaced acetylene gas in the buoy feet and has been progressively introduced across the from Mike fxed Aid to Navigation estate along with ever improving LED technology. But we are now moving into a new Bullock era where everything we do will be driven by the Climate Emergency CHIEF EXECUTIVE and the need for NLB to become Net Zero Carbon and our activities fully sustainable.

The procurement of the new vessel, hat was unusual and taste of course! I wonder what replacing diesel vans with electric relatively novel this time historians will make of all this in a vehicles, making different choices Wlast year has now become hundred years’ time when they fick about the way we travel, eliminating entirely normal. Face coverings, through the manuscripts? single use plastics, introducing wind social distancing, virtual meetings, turbines and reducing waste are just lockdowns and travel restrictions The seemingly endless dark and cold some of the initiatives underway. are pretty much business as usual winter months have fnally given At the start of this Financial Year for all of us, with many also very way to very welcome sunshine and the Board of Commissioners set familiar with the good and bad of a little bit of warmth. Even better, as out their ambition to drive towards working from home. Whilst there is I write this, the country is beginning making NLB Net Zero Carbon and all absolutely no doubt that COVID-19 to open up with shops, hospitality of its activities sustainable as soon has been a constant theme and and gyms welcoming visitors once as practicable in our Strategic Goals. concern over the preceding months, again. But as far as working from 84 the record of our successes and George Street is concerned, we will I appreciate that for many of you achievements detailed within this continue our cautious approach and receiving the Journal through the latest Journal illustrates very clearly phase the return in line with Scottish post remains the best format. But if that NLB has adapted remarkably Government guidance. you are able to help us reduce our well. Put simply, the NLB team have impact on the environment, we can got the job done. The few times I have been in the email you a link to the Journal or offce to carry out tasks I can’t do you can download a copy from our Since the frst week of the initial from home have been an absolute website. See page 34 for details. lockdown, I have written a weekly treat. The walk through Edinburgh’s email to all staff members and New Town, the chance to have a At the end of March, Captain Mike Commissioners to help keep them socially distanced chat with a few Brew stepped down as NLB’s Chair informed about the latest NLB news colleagues, a refreshed appreciation after two years in post. I would like and to pass on key messages about of the amazing paintings and to thank him for his great work on our response to the pandemic. artefacts around the building and our behalf. I’d also like to welcome Although we have the six monthly even the simple pleasure of nipping Alastair Beveridge into his new role snapshot provided by the Journal out for a sandwich are all to be as Chair, and to Elaine Wilkinson as and the technical detail contained relished. What is missing, however, Vice Chair. within the minutes of various is the buzz of chance meetings in Boards, Committees and meetings, the corridors or the pleasure of It seems very unlikely any of to my knowledge we haven’t really unexpected visitors, particularly our us will be travelling abroad this had a record of this sort before. It retired community, popping in for a summer so if you are planning a has become almost a diary which chat. staycation please remember that brings together many aspects of NLB there are fabulous lighthouse life. The joyful news of a new baby, For offce based staff, we are themed places to visit. Just have a the sad news of a lost colleague, currently looking at how we look at the ‘Scotland’s Outstanding the triumph of clearing the latest will work in the future beyond Lighthouses’ area of our website for hurdle of approval process to build a the pandemic. This aims to fnd details www.nlb.org.uk/scotlands- new ship, the successful completion the sweet spot between the outstanding-lighthouses/ of Lighthouse refurbishments and fexibility of working from home the commissioning of new ones all and the innovation, cooperation, Whatever you choose to do, I hope feature. comradeship and mental stimulation the weather is kind and the midges of being alongside teammates. are even kinder! As do some of the frankly bizarre topics of conversation at the weekly Afterall, jokes cracked via Zoom virtual coffee break which literally really aren’t the same as being in the have no boundaries, except good same room as the audience! MIKE BULLOCK

1 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

OUR MISSION: “To deliver, in the most sustainable way practicable, a reliable, efcient and cost-efective Aids to Navigation service for the beneft and safety of all Mariners”

COMMISSIONERS OF NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSES (As at 1 April 2021)

Captain Alastair Beveridge (Chair) Mike Brew Elected by the Commissioners Nominated by the Lieutenant-Governor of Isle of Man and appointed by the Secretary of State Elaine Wilkinson (Vice Chair) Appointed by Transport Scotland Brian Archibald Elected by the Commissioners Rt Hon James Wolffe QC Lord Advocate Hugh Shaw Elected by the Commissioners Alison Di Rollo QC Solicitor General of Scotland Rob Woodward Appointed by the Department for Transport Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar Sheriff Principal of Councillor Frank Ross South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway The Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Edinburgh

Sheriff Principal Marysia Lewis Councillor Philip Braat Sheriff Principal of Tayside, Central and Fife The Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Glasgow

Sheriff Principal Duncan Murray WS Councillor Barney Crockett Sheriff Principal of North Strathclyde Lord Provost of Aberdeen

Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle Councillor Bill Lobban Sheriff Principal of Convenor of Highland Council Grampian, Highlands and Islands Councillor David Kinniburgh Sheriff Principal Mhairi Stephen QC Provost of the Council of Argyll and Bute Sheriff Principal of Lothian and Borders

Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin “In Salutem Omnium” For the Safety of All

2 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

CHAIR’S MESSAGE Alastair Beveridge

hen I joined NLB for the welfare and wellbeing of the I am full of admiration for the frst time as a relatively members of the NLB family. overwhelmingly positive approach Wyoung and ambitious taken by the NLB team in tackling 2nd Mate in the early 1980’s, “Therefore, when an opportunity the undoubted challenges it appeared to me to be a very came up to rejoin NLB as a achieving net zero presents. Look different organisation than the one Commissioner, I grabbed the no further than the formation of we know and recognise today. chance with indecent haste. And the Environmental Working Group I was delighted to fnd that while (see page 10), as an example of While a series of new lights were these core values remain, they do positive and creative thinking. being established on remote so within a modern organisation. islands such as North Rona and An organisation that is proud of Equally, the requirement to replace Sula Sgeir as part of efforts to the current POLE STAR with a but not bound by its heritage and encourage large deep draughted modern, effcient low emissions constantly seeking improvements vessels away from the NW Coast, vessel has been a major challenge there were serious doubts about to the delivery of our essential for the Vessel Replacement Project the future of the three tenders service to the maritime team. But the quality of the fnal in service at the time. These community of Scotland, Isle of Technical Specifcation and were PHAROS VIII, POLE STAR Man and beyond.” General Arrangement serve as III and FINGAL. All were of a convincing “proof of concept”, as certain vintage and would require The requirements of both the project moves forward to the replacement in the not too distant the maritime and the wider procurement stages. future. Rumours were rife as to communities are constantly how any replacements would be evolving and as an organisation I believe the current global procured and managed. So despite we must adapt accordingly. focus on the environment and enjoying many aspects of the job, This is nowhere more apparent sustainability will only increase particularly storing trips and the than in the increasing focus on in the years to come but the boat work, after a few short years climate change, sustainability NLB ethos of seeking innovative I decided to move on to seek new and the environment. In many technical solutions to challenging challenges and opportunities. But respects NLB has a good track situations will greatly enhance our I admit to frequent glances over record. Providing effective ability to respond accordingly. my shoulder to see what was navigation aids helps ensure the happening at NLB. This unique safe passage of ships around our Finally, I cannot close without organisation does get under your coasts and avoiding the inevitable mentioning the Covid Pandemic skin! environmental impact of a and the effect on all our lives grounding or collision. and our organisation. I am in Hindsight is a wonderful thing awe of your ability and willingness of course and over the years The lighthouse automation to rapidly adapt to a completely I came to realise that I had programme kicked off over 40 different working environment years ago and was in some not fully appreciated the deep while maintaining our essential measure the start of a long road to routed ethos and values instilled service to the maritime reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. by the Stevensons and other community. Well done to you all. Recent events around the climate founding fathers of NLB. Values emergency have resulted in even such as integrity, inventiveness, greater focus on the overriding engineering excellence and a need to reduce our emissions deep-rooted concern for the toward net zero. ALASTAIR BEVERIDGE

3 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

Mike Brew COMMISSIONER

retired as Chair on 31 March restrictions and a move to the cost savings as well as being and I wanted to use this new normal as regards work. It is convenient, particularly if long Iopportunity to wish Alastair sobering to refect that it is well journeys for short meetings can Beveridge well for his term over a year since we were forced be avoided. We have, of course, of offce. He will be very ably into home working and the Board met via Zoom or Teams since supported by Elaine Wilkinson as continues to be impressed by the last March but as I am sure most Vice Chair. ingenuity and efforts made to people have found the success of achieve very near “business as virtual meetings builds on existing My two years as Chair have been usual” across all our activities. relations developed over meeting a great privilege and a pleasure Technology has, of course, made in-person. despite the obvious problems a huge contribution but it can only and restrictions imposed by be successful if our people make it It is essential to develop the Covid-19. My thanks must go work and for that the Board is very successes of working from home to my colleagues on the Board grateful. that we have seen this past year who made Board and Committee but to also recognise the benefts meetings both enjoyable and The transition from home of being together in the workplace. productive and particularly to the working for most staff to working Collaboration on projects, help Executive for their commitment in an offce or workshop, the with a problem or the passing on and assistance. Being Chair has arrangements for our crews to of experience often beneft from given me a greater insight to the join and leave the ships and our informal or chance meetings. I work of NLB and has left me even technicians to travel to and work at feel particularly for those recent more impressed with all those remote stations are amongst the recruits to NLB that have yet to people, across the organisation, range of new ways of working that meet their colleagues in person. who make it happen. will have to be accommodated There is only so much that Zoom in future. The Board was updated or Teams can do! Gender balance and equal recently regarding the Hybrid opportunities are incredibly Working Project and was delighted Mike Bullock’s weekly email important issues. There are to see that good progress is continues to be an informative and excellent examples throughout being made towards a new often personal account of working NLB where appointments have way of working. It is expected and living through Covid-19. been made that demonstrate the that fexibility will be the key to The Board has thanked him for progress we have made but we blending the wishes of staff to his commitment to sending this must continue to strive for more. be able to work from home more weekly update. Over time it has That said, Elaine’s appointment regularly with the needs of NLB become a record of a year that has is worthy of note as it marks the to have the right people together seen great achievements but one frst time a woman has been Vice at the right time in the offce, that most would not wish to see Chair and, subject to further Board workshop, ship or on site. return. consideration, I look forward to seeing her confrmed as Chair in The Board reviews its Finally, as summer and hopefully due course. effectiveness annually and for some warmer weather approaches 2020 one of the key outcomes and Covid restrictions continue Covid-19 continues to dominate was the wish of Commissioners to ease I hope that you can all life albeit that with the vaccination to retain the ability to attend take opportunities to meet family programme working so well some meetings virtually. This will and friends and recharge your we can look forward to fewer contribute to environmental and batteries.

4 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

1 Projects2 2 1 3 Construction of a new lighthouse, Rubha Cuil-Cheanna

ALLY RAE, PROJECT LEAD4

3 3 In the Winter Journal, we mentioned work was underway on constructing a new lighthouse at Rubha Cuil-Cheanna. The lighthouse is now operational and was lit for the frst time on 28 March 2021. Ally Rae talks us through the process.

Photo courtesy of Bob Kerr

BACKGROUND TO THE WORKS back to the Navigation Committee buoy superstructure. This would not only provide suffcient time to n recent years there has been in December 2019. It was agreed design the permanent lighthouse, an increase in the number of at this meeting that a new but also ensure a new light was in larger cruise vessels visiting lighthouse should be constructed I place for the 2020 cruise season. Fort William. These vessels have a to assist southbound traffc on diffcult passage through Corran the headland adjacent to Rubha Unfortunately, despite the design Narrows, with little margin for Cuil-Cheanna which is located work for the temporary light being error due to the narrow channel approximately ¾ of a mile west of carried out and consents received, and strong tides. Onich and 1½ miles southwest of Corran. the construction work had to be postponed due to Covid. It was We received a request from cruise impossible to get to site during ship operators to replicate the port March 2020 and so we made a entry light on the south side of COVID IMPLICATIONS decision to abandon this part of the narrows to provide a guide for the project. Instead we focussed vessels exiting Fort William. NLB’s In order to establish a light on the construction of the Navigation Manager undertook as soon as possible, it was permanent lighthouse to ensure it a Risk Assessment of the Upper originally decided to construct was delivered before April 2021. Loch Linnhe area and reported a temporary lighthouse using a Continues on page 6

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ECOLOGICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING ISSUES

We consulted with NatureScot at an early stage regarding the proposed works. The consultation confrmed that the site was within the Onich and North Ballachulish Woods and Shore Site of Special Scientifc Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and also close to the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic Area (NSA).

Due to the SSSI, SAC and NSA designation, NLB appointed specialist consultancy, Echoes Ecology, to carry out an Ecological Impact Assessment of the site. The area surrounding the proposed site was found to provide ideal habitat for otters. Following this discovery, Echoes Ecology produced a Species Protection Plan and a mitigation strategy to ensure any negative impact to wildlife and the environment, caused by the works, was reduced to a minimum.

Early consulataton with other key stakeholders was also essential to obtain the required consents on time. NatureScot, SEPA, Highland Council, PDG Helicopters and NLB’s appointed principal Phase 1 Phase 3 contractor, RS Merriman, all contributed to how this project The frst phase of the works The fnal phase began in was delivered. This amount of started in mid November and late March and included the consulation was vitally important lasted for approximately four commissioning work, setting up to ensure NLB met all of its weeks. It involved clearing the site the sectored LED lantern, with obligations, ensured transparency, and carrying out all groundworks assistance from PHAROS, and and most importantly, delivered to prepare the foundation base the site clearance. The published its statutory responsibity to ensure and cast the new concrete slab Notice to Mariners was met and the safety of the mariner. that the lighthouse tower is fxed the new lighthouse become to. operational for the frst time on Sunday 28 March 2021. CONSTRUCTION WORK Phase 2

The new lighthouse was The second phase began in constructed over three phases late February. This involved between November 2020 and constructing the lighthouse tower, March 2021. installing the electrical operating system and fxing the GRP day mark panels and lanterns to the tower to meet the requirements specifed by the navigation team. This was achieved using a Sabik VLS-46 LED Projector to assist vessels exiting Corran Narrows travelling south and a Sealite SL-155 (green) to guide vessels travelling north through Corran Narrows and onto Fort William.

6 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk Projects 2

Construction of a new lit Beacon, Portain, Sound of Harris

ALLY RAE, PROJECT LEAD

BACKGROUND TO THE WORKS

he passage between Berneray to Leverburgh is Tparticularly challenging with strong tidal streams and at least 23 course alterations along the route. The area around Portain is extremely hazardous with little margin for error, particularly on a spring low tide.

Following the grounding of the MV Loch Portain near Portain Buoy in October 2015, a navigational risk assessment was carried out by Marine & Risk Consultants Ltd on behalf of Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries Ltd. The risk assessment determined that despite the recognised passage being well considered, well-marked and very competently executed by highly experienced and qualifed masters and crews, a lit beacon should replace the Portain Buoy to give a constant visual reference of where the danger exists.

BEACON DESIGN the most suitable position was CONSTRUCTION WORK between two rock outcrops only ASPECT Land and Hydrographic a few metres from the existing The beacon structure was Surveys Ltd carried out a Buoy location. Once the proposed fabricated off site by JGC multibeam bathymetric and location for the new beacon Engineering & Technical Services geophysical survey on our behalf was selected, we commissioned Ltd of Caithness during March during April 2019. Data gathered Fairhurst to provide a design 2020 and delivered to NLB’s from the survey determined solution. Oban Base. However, due to the outbreak of Covid-19, construction work on site was postponed. When restrictions were relaxed in the Western Isles, Leask Marine Ltd who were awarded the contract to install the beacon, made several attempts to get to site but were further delayed by adverse weather. Continues on page 8

7 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

Work fnally started on Friday 9 April 2021. This involved clearing the site and levelling the bedrock before constructing a 4 metre high mass concrete foundation directly on the seabed using 3.2 metre diameter precast concrete manhole rings as permanent formwork. These were flled with a stainless-steel reinforcement cage and marine grade underwater concrete.

After seven days, the concrete foundation had gained enough “This part of the project was particularly strength for the 6.5 metre high challenging. Nearly 80 tonnes of concrete were prefabricated stainless steel structure to be connected to it mixed on board Leask Marine’s vessel (MV using 8 no. M30 1.5 metre long C-Fenna) over a period of 48 hours and placed stainless steel threaded holding down bolts which were cast in by divers in one continuous pour underwater during the concrete pour. GRP using a Tremie Pipe which was lowered daymark panels around the main column support were installed into the base of the foundation. This method along with a conical top mark with of construction proved to be particularly integral radar refectors prior to the Sealite SL-C415 Marine LED successful as it limited the time the divers were lantern being commissioned by in the water and reduced the risk of injury NLB Electrical Project Engineer, to them as they were always out with the James Rooney. foundation during the concrete pour.” Finally, the existing Portain Buoy was recovered by Leask Marine before the new lit beacon became operational on Tuesday 20 April 2021.

8 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk Projects 3 Isle of May Beacon KEITH DEWHURST, CIVIL PROJECT ENGINEER

We recently completed renovation work on the Isle of May Beacon in the Firth of Forth. Keith Dewhurst, Civil Project Engineer with our Project and Renewals Team, led the work. Here Keith gives us an insight into some of the challenges he and the team faced.

ccessing the Isle of May for maintenance work isn’t Astraightforward. As an important seabird nesting area, including ground nesting puffns, we can’t carry out any work from mid-April to September and must get agreement from NatureScot. The island is also an important breeding ground for the largest Atlantic seal colony on the east coast of the UK, which means boat landings aren’t allowed from mid- October to mid-February.

The combination of breeding seals and nesting seabirds really limits the window of opportunity for carrying out any maintenance listed as a historic monument we new lighthouse built by Robert work and so logistically it’s needed to use traditional materials Stevenson. always a challenge to plan and and methods and obtain Historic co-ordinate. Scheduling the Monument consent from Historic The Beacon still exists thanks to work in and getting NatureScot Environment Scotland (HES). The Sir Walter Scott. When plans for agreement, allowing for Covid-19 snap cold spell at the beginning the new lighthouse were being put restrictions, unseasonably cold of April almost put the breaks on together, Scott went out to the Isle weather and suitable tides for boat the lime render and wash being of May with the Commissioners landings reduced the opportunity done but thankfully the overnight and insisted that rather than for carrying out the work even temperatures crept up suffciently. knocking it down the Beacon further. Coordinating with our should become a feature. I’m delighted to say the beacon main contractor at short notice is now looking suitably loved and making sure their suitably again, all ready for the post-COVID skilled workforce were available restriction staycation holiday rush. for the required traditional And the puffns are also looking methods, and liaising with the their best for the tourists! boatman, left only a few days in March and April when the work HISTORY OF THE BEACON could be done. Built in 1636, the Beacon was Our work on the Beacon involved Scotland’s frst lighthouse. Initially repair to the wall render, using the light was a fre basket at the traditional lime render and lime top of the small tower standing wash, along with window and at only 12 metres high. In 1816, door repairs. As the Beacon is the Beacon was replaced by a

9 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

Our Journey to Sustainability

Environmental Working Group

In line with NLB’s recognition of the Climate Emergency and our revised Mission, Vision and Values, we have really ramped up our focus on the environment. This has been supported by the launch of the enhanced shore based Performance Management System which challenges all of us to improve our environmental behaviours and practices.

LB’s Environmental Working Group has Environmental Working Group Members Nbeen collaborating with Zero Waste Scotland’s Warren Anne James, HS&E Adviser McIntyre. Warren has given us Billy Byrne, HS&E Manager excellent advice and guidance to help us produce a Carbon Colin Brolly, Procurement Manager Management Plan (CMP). This will enable us to take a targeted Derek Main, HS&E Adviser approach to carbon emission Diarmaid Corbett, Electrical Projects Engineer reductions across NLB. Ewen Mackerchar, Marine Operations Manager The CMP will be particularly Fingal McKiernan, Coastal Inspector effective if all NLB staff contribute to it and work towards delivering Jim McBrier, Risk & Improvement Manager against the challenging future Joe Hothersall, Mechanical Engineer carbon reduction targets that have been set by the UK Government. Karen Ross, HS&E Assistant On this basis, we’ll shortly be sharing an electronic copy of the Paul Hudson, Programme & Renewals Manager CMP with all staff. Rebecca Turner, Buyer

We would encourage you to read, comment, get involved and help shape this document. It will be fundamental in how we approach a low carbon working ethos for years to come. We feel that giving everyone the opportunity to NLB now has a requirement comment before the document is fnalised is key to the future under the ‘Greening Government success of the plan. Commitments’ to report to the Check out the following pages Department for Transport (DfT), for details of our environmental achievements and future plans. the actions we will take to reduce our impact on the environment.

10 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

Think globally. Act Locally!

SINGLE USE PLASTIC CUPS

In the Winter Journal we issuing them. This means instead of mentioned that the ships had saved 50 diaries and wall calendars going approximately 36,135 disposable to staff, they will be encouraged cups a year by switching to reusable to use electronic diaries instead, cups. This further removes some resulting in a cost saving of £400. single use plastics from the NLB estate and provides a cost saving Without wanting to sound like of over £1,000. Oban base and Scrooge, last Christmas we saved Edinburgh HQ will be doing the £300 by replacing Christmas cards same and we estimate this will save and envelopes with an electronic 66,000 disposable cups a year. Christmas card.

GLASS RECYCLING PAPER WASTE REDUCTION When the cruise ship, the Hebridean Organisations tendering for Princess returns to Oban we will work with NLB can now submit have separate glass recycling in their tender bid online via our place. Previously, glass would have Procurement database, Delta. NLB’s been mixed in with other waste sent Procurement Manager, Colin Brolly, to landfll. INFLUENCING OUR SUPPLY CHAIN highlighted that one tender exercise alone used up to 3000 pages of A4 Rebecca Turner is working on a TRAVEL REDUCTION paper. Going forward, using Delta Sustainability Policy. The aim of will deliver signifcant paper free the Policy is to promote further With most offce-based staff working working and carbon savings. continual improvement by from home, the impact of Covid-19 implementing greener procurement has forced us to carry out meetings Just over two years ago we also requirements throughout NLB. introduced the concept of paperless virtually. This means there is reduced travel to and from meetings meetings and this has now become This is an opportunity for our and therefore fewer NLB vehicles the norm. Working from home Procurement Team to target on the road. This reduces overall has by default also signifcantly contractors and suppliers and greenhouse gas and particulate increased paper savings as many get them to consider how emissions, fossil fuel consumption, staff don’t have routine access to a their operational activities are and energy usage. It also helps printer. impacting on the wider social and reduce environmental and societal environmental areas that affect our health impacts, as a result of After our Finance Manager, Darren planet. Cordner, introduced electronic pay decreased air pollution and the slips for all NLB staff we made a cost reduced risk of road accidents and incidents. saving on envelopes and stamps of £700 per year. We also now issue crew change information for our Our team still need to travel ships crew electronically, rather than to perform key functions but sending out letters every month. the lockdown has enabled us This has resulted in further paper to consider, in a way that we reductions and a fnancial saving of £525 a year. never could have done before, what is essential travel. We Staff used to be given the option have been able to signifcantly of having a paper diary or wall reduce our environmental calendar but with our focus frmly on impact as part of the ‘new Continues on pages 12 and 13 the environment we decided to stop normal’.

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Alan Cran, Principal Electrical GREENER BUOYS VESSELS IMPACT – MARINE FUEL Engineer, has been looking at the possibility of introducing battery Robbie Glen, Oban Base Supervisor, PHAROS and POLE STAR account charging points for electric vehicles suggested greener buoy design for around 80% of NLB’s carbon at all road end lighthouse sites. In which involves making the holes emissions. The replacement vessel addition, Mike Bullock met with on the buoy skirts bigger, so that for POLE STAR will have a hybrid Police Scotland’s Deputy Chief the underside of the buoys can power system installed, along with Offcer for Corporate Services to be cleaned safely while at sea. other environmental improvements. explore the possibility of sharing This allows all marine growth to Graham Moffat, Technical their electric vehicle charging points. be returned to the area of the sea Superintendent, advised that if the where it originated. The change also new ship was built like for like (in means that we no longer have two terms of mass) there would be a OBAN COMPACTOR SKIPS AND tonnes of marine growth ending up 26% carbon emissions reduction. REDUCTION IN WASTE RELATED at our Oban Base each year which A fgure which could be improved VEHICLE MOVEMENTS would have involved skip hire and upon further, with the advent of next approximately nine additional skip generation marine fuels. vehicle movements. We’re now Ewen Mackerchar, Marine Operations Manager, has introduced saving nearly £3,000 in skip hire, The benefts of this are reduced fuel compactor skips at Oban Base. This collection and disposal costs. use and emissions to atmosphere. maximises the use of skip airspace1 The vessel design has also been to avoid potentially ‘empty’ skips future proofed in such a manner being returned by road to recycling as to facilitate a midlife engine 1 centres for processing. As a result, reft should more effective zero skip collections are now being done emissions propulsion technology every four to six weeks rather than become available within the vessel’s weekly. This vastly reduces the operational lifetime. POLE STAR can associated heavy goods vehicles currently use shore power to reduce (HGV) movements with a signifcant engine emissions to atmosphere reduction in the resulting carbon and the new ship design will also emissions. The reduction in vehicle incorporate this feature. movements means there is less USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES, vehicle/pedestrian interface which3 ENERGY USE AND OTHER supports good health and safety EMISSIONS management and there are also monetary cost savings too. The4 We have removed all water coolers ships are also using compactors to to reduce plastic waste. There are achieve similar benefts. many benefts to getting water straight from the tap, some of which 2 are not always obvious at frst.

These include: • good quality water (from one OUR FRIEND’S ELECTRIC of the best treatment systems in the world) is immediately The UK Government has a Road to 4 available ‘on tap’ Zero strategy to achieve net zero • pedestrian and vehicle interface emissions and as the availability is avoided from delivery and of charging points expand across collection of plastic water bottles the length and breadth of the UK, Pallets and other larger items we • manual handling of large water this is certainly an area we will be use at Oban need to be disposed flled plastic containers is supporting. Within our feet, we of on a fatbed lorry or similar type avoided currently have an electric van and of vehicle. Previously, we would • the use of plastics (some single electric forklift. By March 2022, we have hired a vehicle, resulting use) is eliminated intend to introduce a further three in additional costs. But more • carbon emissions from delivery electric vehicles. As part of the NLB 5 importantly, vehicle emissions vehicles and plastic production feet renewal, Andrew Stevenson, would increase as the hired vehicle are reduced our Asset Manager, has been would have to travel from its base • electricity use from powered working in partnership with a range location to get to and from NLB water coolers is negated of stakeholders in order to better premises. To counteract this, we understand the future availability bought a trailer for Oban, reducing and location of electric vehicle operating costs, associated vehicle charging points within the areas we emissions and reducing the potential operate in. 6 frequency of HGV/pedestrian interface.

12 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

REMOVAL OF OZONE DEPLETING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS CHEMICALS BECOMING THE NORM

Joe Hothersall, Mechanical As part of the offce rewire project Engineer, has been looking into the at HQ, we are considering installing environmental impacts of FM200 solar panels. We will also look at Fire Suppression systems that are installing them on the roof of the used throughout NLB’s estate. ESTF workshop at Oban. Since 1998, we have saved over half a million FM200 Fire suppression systems use pounds by converting to solar power a 1man-made fourinated greenhouse across our estate. All of our 170 gas that is a signifcant contributor buoys are solar powered and have to global warming and climate light enitting diode (LED) lights. change in addition to contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer. Oban Base has converted from Joe advised that the global warming either incandescent or halogen light potential of the FM200 gas has a bulbs to 70% of LEDs which use potential factor of 3220. This means less energy. Work is on-going to that 1kg of the gas is equivalent to get this up to 100% LED lights for the warming potential of 3220kg of Oban during 2021/22. Edinburgh HQ CO2. has approximately 50% LED lights installed and once the electrical re- To give you a comparison, should wire project is complete, 100% of the the Pentland Skerries FM200 lighting there will be LED. system2 be discharged this would equate to the emissions from an average family car being driven 6.1 million kilometres. On this basis, SUSTAINABILITY we have begun a programme of IS EVERYONE’S phased removal and replacement RESPONSIBILITY of FM200 with an environmentally friendly alternative gas, as part of Ongoing staff awareness and the ongoing Asset Management support is a key contributor in and Projects and Renewals work helping us to reduce our carbon programme. emissions and the wider impact on the environment.

NEW GENERATION WIND TURBINES 112 of our lighthouses have an LED With the support of Anne James, the & SOLAR ENERGY light installed as the main aid to Environmental Working Group and 3 navigation with another 73 LED Veronica Creamer, environmental Joe also came up with an idea lights in the form of emergency training has been rolled out to all to install a wind turbine to lights or other types of navigational NLB staff. We want to encourage generate renewable energy. We aid. everyone to play their part, even if had previously looked at this but it’s just switching off a light in an the turbine technology available When we carry out major empty room. at the time could not cope with refurbishment work at lighthouses, the turbulent wind conditions the accommodation lighting will all There will still be areas we might not experienced in and around the be upgraded to LED lighting. have considered that could make majority of lighthouses. further inroads into reducing waste, We recently switched to a green raw materials, carbon emissions and However, new turbine technology energy supplier for electricity ensuring best practice. Therefore, makes for a much more consistent and gas across the whole estate all staff suggestions are encouraged performance in these conditions (offces and lighthouses) which and gladly received. Please remember that no idea is too big making4 this option potentially demonstrates our commitment viable for NLB. As a result of Joe’s towards net zero carbon. or small and we really want to hear suggestion, Projects and Renewals from anyone who feels they can and Asset Management, are at We also received a suggestion for contribute! the concept and design stage of harvesting rainwater at Oban Base. trialling a wind turbine at Start Point The idea is that the existing drainage This is a journey that we are all lighthouse. systems could potentially supply on together to enable ongoing water for buoy pressure washing sustainable development, that work, which would avoid using ‘meets the needs of the present treated mains (drinking quality) without compromising the ability of water. future generations to meet their own needs’.* *Brundtland Report 1987

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Q&A Spotlight on our Staf In this edition we talk to Calum Macaulay, Bosun on PHAROS and to Gillian Burns, Navigation Ofcer. Find out how Gillian’s 1990’s cross stitch project withstood the test of time and why Calum decided the art of glass making wasn’t for him.

CALUM MACAULAY Bosun

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE FOR NLB? JOINING NLB? I then put myself through a Class one HGV license to get out of the glass I started on the old PHAROS in July When I left school I did a youth factory as working in a factory five 1996 as an Ordinary Seaman as the opportunity scheme job working in a days a week wasn’t for me. I got a title was known then. In February cash and carry for six months. job with J&A Gardner driving their 2006 I was promoted to Bosun and lorries and working on the Islands, moved on to the new PHAROS. When it came to an end I got a resurfacing the roads. job with Caithness Glass where So, I’m coming up for 25 years. It’s I was taught the art of making On the odd occasion I would also get actually hard to believe it’s been all paperweights. The glass making short trips on one of the company’s that time. levels were one to ten and although I ships, Saint Oran, to discharge made certain designs on grade seven different cargos from cold tar road I only achieved grade six. salt and 10mm granite chips.

Continues on page 16

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Photo of Skerryvore Lighthouse by Ian Cowe

15 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE After lunch it’s time to carry on WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN AND WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS with the rest of the afternoon’s YOUR SPARE TIME? LIKE? work until fnishing time which is anywhere between four and fve. When I’m on leave I do a lot of As Bosun a normal day can change In the evening, it’s nice to sit down walking and enjoy most of them. very quickly. We might be planning in front of the telly and chill out. But on occasion when there’s to do an operation’s job such as Some nights we’ll have a movie mention of a steep hill I need to be buoy work or helicopter work night and take turns at suggesting dragged out. I also like to get away and then the weather or sea state which movie to watch. If someone with my wife Deirdre especially to could change which would put a picks one that hasn’t been the best Edinburgh. halt to those activities. Other daily they usually get pelters for it, and tasks involve keeping the crew yes I’ve been on the receiving end I’ve recently been trying to track informed on what’s happening, as well, haha. down an old motorbike I had years going through the maintenance ago and was even given the green that needs to be carried out and Getting nearer to bedtime it’s light by my wife. That came as a taking it from there. time for a cup of tea and a piece surprise! Unfortunately, I haven’t of toast. And then the next day managed to fnd it but I’m not Most days we start work at comes along! No two days are giving up just yet. 8am and that could be for ship ever the same but myself and my maintenance or an operational job crew are always ready and up for regarding buoy work or helicopter the challenge that’s ahead. I’m operations. If it’s ship maintenance very fortunate to work with such a we’ll have our tea break at 10am great crew. With being as helpful where there is usually sausage and reliable as they are, they make bacon and some black pudding my job easy! left over from breakfast. It can be a race sometimes to get in quickly in case you miss out! DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE “Most days we start LIGHTHOUSE? work at 8am and If we are doing operation work you do without the tea break as My favorite lighthouse has to that could be for the job in hand takes priority and be Skerryvore. I think the work ship maintenance or needs to be fnished within a that went into the building of it an operational job certain timescale, especially with and the fact it takes the battering regards to the weather. At 12pm it does every year is a fantastic regarding buoy work or it’s lunchtime and always another achievement. To be honest they all helicopter operations. part of the day to look forward deserve the credit for withstanding to. We have lunch for an hour but the test of time. If it’s ship maintenance that’s if it’s a normal quiet working day with no pressure with tides we’ll have our tea and weather. break at 10am where there is usually sausage bacon and some black pudding left over from breakfast. It can be a race sometimes to get in quickly in case you miss out!”

16 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

Q&A Spotlight on our Staf

GILLIAN BURNS Navigation Offcer

with NLB. It seemed to tick loads HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED the Navigation team in 2015. The of boxes as I had always wanted to FOR NLB? move and career change has been see Scotland and thought it would eventful and rewarding as it involves be ideal that I could do it at someone Toooooo long: I’ve worked here all aspects of the marine world and else’s expense!! The rest as they say since July 1994, so that’s 27 years every lighthouse in Scotland. this year – wow where has the time is history… gone? To say it’s flown by would be an understatement. It’s been a WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE multitude of minor crises followed JOINING NLB? by magical experiences. Initially I AND WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS joined the Radio Department until It’s a secret! Prior to working for NLB LIKE? it was dissolved in 2001. This was and after three years at the Jewel Five virtual laps of the coast basically. followed by 12 years in the Project’s College (formerly Leith Nautical As the Navigation Officer in the Technician team where I was College), I worked for Government Navigation team my main role is NLB’s first female technician. I was Communications Headquarters looking after Local Lighthouse mostly involved in the Telemetry (GCHQ). I was in their technician Authority (LLA) Aids to Navigation equipment replacement programme training scheme for three years, and the needs of Ports and Harbours and upgrades to solar systems. After with postings at Cheltenham and within Scotland and the Isle of Man. a short spell in the Maintenance Scarborough. As I was nearing We respond to all types of queries team I had the opportunity to ‘jump completion of the training scheme and as NLB is a Statutory consultee ship’ from the then Engineering I noticed an advert in the Evening directorate, to Operations to join News for a Radio Technician vacancy Continues on page 19

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18 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

in the Marine Licensing process WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN a lot of our time is taken up with YOUR SPARE TIME? making recommendations on construction works and all manner I’m lazy….but creative (in my of other activities within the marine opinion!) My spare time is filled environment. The day Fiona asked with the joy of making things, it me about writing this article I thought can be anything that has caught my I’d better review what happens in my attention from sewing, crochet and normal day. So here goes.. knitting (yes, the fluffy Christmas trees), to building a wall out of sett A normal day in the Navigation stones reclaimed from the streets of team can comprise of issuing a Edinburgh. Notice to Mariners for our new light (Rubh Cuil-Cheanna), dealing with One thing I am really good at is outage reports at Loch Gilp and starting something but sadly finishing Robin Rigg Windfarm, advising on isn’t always high on my priority list. AtoN requirements for a Harbour During the first lockdown last year development in Skye, new AtoN I went looking for something to do in Grangemouth, new marina and low and behold I found a cross development in Stranraer, AtoN in stitch kit I’d started around 1990. Loch Long for the new QE class At the time I’d got bored of it after aircraft carrier, buoy moves in I’d completed about a square inch Campbeltown Loch, navigational risk of it and put it away in a cupboard. assessment in Eyemouth, Isle of I’m glad to report that it has been Man AtoN inspection reports, civil resurrected and is now finished. It’s hydrography program in the Pentland about four feet long and took most Firth and North Channel (between of the year to complete but as the Scotland and Northern Ireland) and picture shows it has a rainbow and finally rocket launching in Unst, as one of the images of last year was Shetland and the impact on the quite fitting. marine environment.

As you can see I wasn’t kidding when I said five laps of the country. We deal with all things marine and everything else that no one knows what to do with.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE LIGHTHOUSE? “There is always something to remember from a Loads of them! If I had to narrow it down to only one it would be Rhinns visit to a lighthouse and for me they include being of Islay as I’ve had some memorable launched from a boat trailer and a hire car on the visits there and the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had. beach during the 1999 solar eclipse.”

Day visits to the station usually have a twist to them as the boat journey from either Portnahaven or Port Wemyss can be interesting and eventful. There is always something to remember from a visit and for me they include being launched from a boat trailer and a hire car on the beach during the 1999 solar eclipse. Above: Gillian’s cross stitch lockdown Some observations I would make is project that a RIB comes off a boat trailer Left: Gillian fnds a signpost with a easier than it goes on and always familiar name on it remember to tie your boat up when you get out of it….. Page 18: Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse. Image by Ian Cowe

19 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

Vessel Replacement Project

Julie Humphreys, PMO Manager

It has been an exciting, challenging, fast paced and rewarding few months since the last Journal was published. All aspects of the project are gaining momentum and it is very satisfying for the team that we are now entering the procurement phase.

he Integrated Project Team The OBC, SQ and supporting move to the procurement phase (IPT) has been hard at work documentation have successfully and the Full Business Case (FBC) Tfnalising the Outline Business passed through the formal approvals will be developed. The project team Case (OBC) and tender documents to process for this stage of the project, were actually commended by the progress to the formal procurement including: DfT sponsor team which was a huge phase of the project. morale boost and makes all the hard • The procurement work very worthwhile. The procurement process is a documentation gaining assured competitive exercise that will involve status for Stage 1 in December “With many thanks to you shortlisting potential bidders using 2020 and Stage 2 in April 2021, and the team for responding so a Selection Questionnaire (SQ) and of the Department for Transport’s then inviting those on the shortlist to (DfT) Commercial Lifecycle quickly and comprehensively submit bids to design and build NLV Assurance Framework. to ministerial queries on POLE STAR’s replacement. • The OBC being approved this, we have just received by DfT’s Aviation, Maritime, confrmation that the Minister The evaluation process of the International and Security shortlisted bids will include site (AMIS) Board in March 2021, for and Secretary of State are visits and negotiations and will submission to the Minister for content with the OBC and culminate with the Contract Award Maritime and Cabinet Offce in recommended option. It is a in summer 2022. April 2021. testament to the quality of • Cabinet Offce approval in May the documentation that they Before NLB can publish its tender 2021. documentation for the replacement • Ministerial and Secretary of had so few queries and were vessel, we need to ensure our State for Transport approval in already content from frst planned activities comply with May 2021. reading, with the majority policies and legislation. These need of the material and the to be consistent with best practice, This is an important and exciting use appropriate expertise, and milestone for both the project and recommendations.” maximise public value to society. project team. The project will now

20 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT

Following the release of the Prior Information Notice* in Autumn 2020, we held three virtual Industry Engagement events between February and April 2021.

These events were facilitated by the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) and Market Partner. Delegates from shipyards, equipment suppliers, and other key stakeholders from the UK and overseas had the opportunity to interact with members of the IPT – including OSK-ShipTech and DfT through live question and answer panel sessions. Above: The panel preparing to take questions at one of the virtual industry events. The sessions attracted delegates from across the globe. Recordings of the event are available on NLB’s website, and the Delta eSourcing website.

*Where a Contracting Authority wishes to make known its intention for a forthcoming procurement.

What’s in a name?

veryone has made a huge Of the remainder, three were used to be easily recognisable and effort on developing the twice - HESPERUS, SKERRYVORE understood when communicating Etechnical specifcation and and MAY - with the out-front by voice on VHF radio. procurement strategy for the leader being PHAROS. This has Vessel Replacement Project. been been used ten times while For all these reasons the But until very recently the big POLE STAR has been used on four unanimous decision was made unanswered question was... what occasions. that the new vessel will be the will the new ship be called? ffth to bear the name POLE STAR In deciding the new vessel’s name, which will continue a tradition that NLB has had ships in its service the Board of Commissioners started in 1892. since the end of the 18th Century. considered a number of factors. The majority of names were used The heritage and tradition of what just once, including the rather has gone before, familiarity to grand PRINCE OF WALES, the mariners, harbour masters and somewhat depressing TERRIBLE authorities like HM Coastguard and the rather incongruous JANET. and Marine Scotland. It needed

21 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021 3 Artists Lighthouses in Lockdown The Architect ALAN DUNLOP

Alan Dunlop is an architect with a portfolio of award winning buildings; including the internationally recognised Radisson SAS hotel and Hazelwood School. He is a fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and an alumnus of the Glasgow School of Art. He has written extensively on architecture and urban design in a number of professional journals and had peer reviewed papers on architecture published internationally.

hen the frst lockdown David and Thomas, and their sons dolphins, minke whales and sea started in March 2020, David Alan and Charles. Together eagles included. Lighthouses are Wmy practice workload the Stevenson family built over 80 intended as beacons for our time. dropped signifcantly and my of Scotland’s lighthouses in often The sun rising on the Isle of May teaching stopped. I’ve always kept the most remote, hazardous but particularly was my Christmas sketchbooks and hand drawing stunningly beautiful locations. An and New Year greeting to friends is a fundamental part of how I incredible achievement. Bell Rock, and clients, with the message ‘A work as an architect. In an effort Skerryvore, Muckle Flugga and beacon of hope for 2021’. to keep busy, I started the frst of Sumburgh Head are incredible four sketchbooks, recording the feats of construction and true Each of the drawings is supported experiences of my family during engineering wonders. by texts detailing where they are those early months of isolation. In located, who built them and the late May, restrictions were lifted Over the last 30 years I have marine life in their vicinity. My but started again shortly after. visited many of the towers, favourites include Muckle Flugga However, rather than continuing taken photographs and made in the Shetland Islands, Isle of as before I looked for a new some basic sketches. For the May, Bass Rock, Rattray Head and sketchbook project. new Stevenson Lighthouse Lismore. Sketchbooks, I decided to include I have been interested in some of the wildlife that can be lighthouses for years. They are spotted around the lighthouses extraordinary civil engineering and chose to combine a number works but architecturally they are of images on a single sketch the ultimate example of ‘form to produce a new view. I also Alan’s drawings, page 23. Left to right: ever follows function’ which is the included much more of the Row 1 - Ardnamurchan, Barra Head, Skervuile guiding principle and philosophy landscape, such as the Munros, of all modern architecture. The the marine life that visits the Row 2 - Rattray Head, Isle of May, Bass lighthouses that excited me most coast and anything I think is of Rock were those built by civil engineer particular interest beyond the Robert Stevenson (1772–1850) structure itself. So, in some of the Row 3 - Muckle Flugga, Lismore, Dubh Artach and his descendants – sons Alan, sketches there are basking sharks,

22 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

23 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

The Lightkeeper’s Daughter Claire Rowlands

Claire Rowlands’ father was Principal Lightkeeper, Sinclair Craigie. 1

ockdown came suddenly in “Being a lightkeeper’s He was a career Keeper and March 2020, shortly after my dedicated to the Service. I was Lmum had gone into a care daughter, I suppose born in Thurso while the family home in Elgin, so I wasn’t able to it’s not surprising that were stationed at Dunnet Head. visit. I went from working full time Our next move was back home to and visiting mum at weekends, to I’ve been drawn to Stromness where he was on Sule having no work to fll my day and paint seascapes and Skerry. He used to draw pictures three grown children to motivate. of lighthouses for toddler me on My husband is a key worker so he lighthouses.” the back of met offce printouts. just kept doing his thing. I think the Stevenson lights are Four years later and we were off to I spent the frst week painting the particularly elegant and lend Covesea Skerries in Lossiemouth house which we had moved into themselves very well to inclusion with its miles of golden beaches. It in January, waiting for the Council in paintings. I even did a painting was a plum station for my parents to redeploy me. When that didn’t of the old POLE STAR (pictured who loved Lossiemouth and its happen I joined Moray Scrubs below). I used to see it from my people. In 1977 we were off again, where groups of similarly affected granny’s sitting room window in this time back to Skerryvore for folk made medical scrubs for our Stromness, so I was delighted one dad, where he became the longest local hospital and care homes. day when my Marine Tracking app serving Keeper on that light, as Eventually, they announced they showed that the new POLE STAR he’d been stationed there earlier had enough garments for now, was lying just off Portgordon. In in his career too. Oban was a and the sewing machine was fact I could see it from my sitting great place to grow up and I loved packed away. The family found room window! the schools, and the neat row of innovative ways to keep occupied, lighthouse buildings on Pulpit Hill. one of which was painting stones My father was PLK Sinclair Craigie. which locals then left at the local He died much too young in 1991, harbour in Portgordon. I enjoyed but his life and work have been a the painting so much that I continued infuence in my life. was tempted to have a go with painting a landscape.

My paintings were well received by family and friends. I sold some through a local craft shop and had a couple of small commissions. Even after I was back to work, working mainly from home at my day job, I was able to put the extra time I had from less commuting, to doing more paintings.

24 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

2

Claire’s paintings: Row 1: Covesea Skerries

Row 2: left to right, Cantick Head, Dunnet Head

Row 3: left to right, Neist Point, St Abbs Head

3

25 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

The Lightkeeper Ian Longmuir served with NLB as a Lightkeeper for almost 19 years from 1979 to 1997. His son David says his father fondly recalls it as the best working years of his life.

t was David who told us about his father’s talent as an oil Ipainter. Ian has never shown or publicised his work until now and we are therefore very honoured for his paintings to have their debut in the Journal.

Ian was working in Australia for General Motors when he saw an Ian’s frst station was Killantringan advert for Lightkeepers with the Lighthouse. After travelling from Northern Lighthouse Board. Up Inverness to Edinburgh to gather On Ian’s frst night at the some essential Lightkeeper’s until that point he’d presumed lighthouse, the Principal Lightkeepers were an extinct equipment including the rules and group of other worldly isolated regulations, a book of fags and Keeper and his wife gave individuals! Despite the position Supernumary Lightkeeper’s report him sandwiches, a black offering reimbursement of travel document, he was almost ready expenses, he fgured a ticket to board the train to Stranraer. But and white TV and some from Australia would probably frst he needed to be measured for bottles of beer. As Ian be pushing it a little so he didn’t a uniform and cap. He remembers apply. But a year later in 1979, standing in the clothiers on a wasn’t on duty until the when he returned to Scotland, busy George Street looking like a following day he relaxed his curiosity got the better of him teddy boy in a leather jacket and and he applied successfully. Ian then feeling ridiculous in the shop with a beer, watching frmly states this is a decision he window with a bowler cap in full the moon refecting on never regretted and that being view of the passers’ by. a Lightkeeper was the most the sea with the feint enjoyable and exciting job he’d chime of the pedestal ever had. bell. These moments Looking back on his days as a of contemplation and Keeper, Ian recalls the extreme and beautiful locations, some relaxation provided a very memorable workmates and source of inspiration for the many varied challenges and responsibilities which all made his paintings. a great impact on him. He was proud to be providing a rewarding and essential service to mariners.

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After being stationed at Fair isle Needless to say those frst few man shouted to the vessel ‘Ahoy! and Tarbat Ness Ian had to transfer days were a disaster between a Are you alright? This was quickly to the next station by NLB’s vessel bread pudding that lodged itself relayed with a very German ‘Ef PHAROS. This was to be his frst into the oven and a rice and of’. Obviously German maritime experience of going over the side cinnamon pudding without the shorthand for ‘yes, thank you for of a ship on a rope ladder. The fairly necessary rice! But Ian’s your concern’.” seaman on board said ‘judge for skills improved and after a while, yourself when you jump into the his colleague’s initial reservations Ian had particular fondness for the boat’ which was rising and falling were set aside and they warmed Bell Rock Lighthouse despite its about four or fve feet on the swell. to each other. Indeed, Ian’s son, perilous nature due to its location. Ian recalls the mix of trepidation, David, can confrm his cooking He recalls his frst landing there fear and pressure was a lot take now is exceptional. He even being in the pitch of night in in. It was the beginning of a steep remembers to add the rice… most very rough seas. It took a lot of learning curve. times. convincing for him to climb down the rope ladder into the small boat Upon landing at the lighthouse While stationed at the Isle of May, and climb the wet and slippery he was met by the Paraffn Oiler Ian was woken at midnight to rocks to the helipad. But Ian loved whose frst words were: ‘you’re in investigate a sighting of a ship the fact that a little bit of danger the kitchen, you’re cooking for six, aground on the rocks. made things exciting and made dinner’s at 1300, not 1255 and not the job a non-stop adventure. 1305. We have soup, mains and a “Three of us donned boots and sweet and all the pots and pans are warm clothes then set of with to be washed, dried and put away torches. After descending to the before you serve. Ask Ronnie, he’ll beach we approached the coaster show you where thing are’. which had set aground. Our lead

27 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

Museum of Scottish Lighthouses The Museum Team

It’s been a challenging time for the Museum having been forced to close for lengthy periods of time due to the pandemic. Despite this, the team are pushing forward in a very positive way.

ur thanks must frstly go to Another project we’re working the Northern Lighthouse on is the new Digital Collections OHeritage Trust (NLHT) for offce. The decorating is done, the their fnancial donations during carpets are down and we have this diffcult time. We were also purchased a licence for the most fortunate to identify other funding up to date collections database from Aberdeenshire Council and available. The database will allow Museum Galleries Scotland. We us to create online access to our are very grateful to both. This collections making them much funding has enabled us to carry more accessible. Initially it will be out a range of projects throughout for our extensive photographic the Museum including the creation collections. The project will also of a training kitchen. enable us to create training opportunities for young people in We are grateful for all the Over the last few years we have collections and archiving. We are donations we have had this year supported a number of third sector very excited about it! including uniforms from a frst and public sector organisations mate on the NLB tenders, and with work experience placements material regarding lighthouse and employability placements. And Our Collections Manager notes unions in the 1930s-50s. An to make this work more permanent that Covid-19 has slowed down increase in private collecting, due we are creating a Training Café. progress in the Collections to the popularity of the subject, is department. Our priority is in making it more diffcult to collect We will offer unique six month collections care; ensuring that as it infates prices and as a result opportunities through the UK Museum objects continue to makes it less likely that donations Government’s Kickstart Scheme be checked and kept in the best will be made. to a range of young people, conditions for preservation. But particularly those who might with staff on furlough the backlog have barriers to work or further has hardly been touched. In 2019 In other exciting news we have education. The aim is to train and we accessioned about 400 objects commissioned a brand new support up to eight young people into our collection, including 83 website which will showcase all a year in hospitality. Our staff sets of lighthouse keys. In 2020 that we do. Our online shop will are working closely with a very we accessioned 19 individual be updated and will include brand experienced catering consultant to objects, all of which were new new site specifc items including a develop the programme and we donations or purchases. In the map of Scotland’s lighthouses and are revamping the café ahead of frst three months of 2021 we have new site specifc postcards and reopening. accessioned only three items. In other items. terms of cataloguing, 3,757 items were put on our new database in We have also commissioned the Our Collections Manager is 2019, but since January 2020 only making of a DVD documentary working with a consultant on 700 have been added. about the Museum and its updating the Museum’s education importance in telling the story of and outreach offering. “Donations are increasingly Scotland’s lighthouses. important to ensure the We hope to see you again in Museum continues to refect, We have improved and updated Fraserburgh once we re-open. lighting and electrics around the represent and interpret Look out for details on our website Museum which will make the lighthouses and light-keeping and Facebook pages. visitor experience more enjoyable. for the nation.”

28 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

Shetland’s Merchant Navy Memorial

Callum Smedley, Chief Engineer, PHAROS and Member of Merchant Navy Association in Shetland

A long-term plan for a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives at sea in the service of the Merchant Navy in Shetland has fnally become a reality.

he idea for a memorial had to raise all the money during 2020 been on the go for years and commission the construction Tbut it wasn’t until 2015 that of the memorial. One good thing ‘offcial’ planning actually started. for covid was that it made the earth works for the foundation I joined the Merchant Navy very easy, as it was so quiet while Association of Shetland in 2016. the concrete was being run. This wasn’t long after I left NLB to work at the NAFC marine centre as The memorial was completed in a Marine Engineering Lecturer. early February 2021. It is located in front of the Shetland Museum in Captain George Sutherland, Lerwick in an area known as Hay’s former Commissioner and Chair of Dock. Within the museum there is NLB’s Board of Commisioners, was the light from Bressay lighthouse. also a member of the Association. A few months after I’d joined, We sited the memorial on George asked if I would like to take 16 February in a very low key over the role of Treasurer which I ceremony. It was a hurry to get gladly accepted. The Association this done as I was joining POLE represents the Merchant Navy at Voder, which is now sitting outside STAR two days later! the Remembrance Day parade. the port control building at the When I joined a decision had Sullom Voe oil terminal. However, We are planning a formal already been made to construct I was worried about hands and unveiling on 3 September which a Merchant Navy memorial for arms getting caught up inside appropriately is Merchant Navy Shetland seafarers. it, so went for the fully plated Day. version. To secure funding for the project, we applied for charitable status. The memorial was designed by a To do this, we had to change our local company, Hot Gecko Media. name and so we became the They also sourced all the details Shetland Seafarers Association. for the body of the memorial. The original design for the Another local company, Ocean memorial was to be made of Kinetics built the body. polished concrete with bronze details. This structure was to be All the funding came from within in the shape of a ship’s bow and Shetland. This was in the form forecastle. But in the end it proved of donations from companies, to be far too expensive. individuals, other charities and community councils. At this point the project needed a boost and in 2018 I proposd a The design work was all complete completely different design. This and most of the details were would be modern and practically delivered when I successfully maintenance free and was also applied to return to the NLB as much more affordable. My Second engineer. Then Covid-19 Pictured: Callum Smedley in his inspiration for the design was hit us before the fundraising was Merchant Navy Association uniform and George Sutherland. from the old unlit beacon from the complete. We eventually managed

29 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

Cancer Charity aiming to Light the North Aberdeen based cancer support charity Clan Cancer Support is looking to Light the North this Autumn with an art sculpture trail.

he sculpture trail will The team at Light the North draw people to explore hope that the trail can bring Tcommunities across the people together to rediscover north-east and the Northern Isles communities across the region to see 50 2.5m tall lighthouses and give lighthouse enthusiasts designed by some of the UK’s the opportunity to bid to own their most talented artists. favourite.

The trail starts on 9 August for Fiona continued: “I think we’re all ten weeks and also features 76 ready to get out and explore after a smaller lighthouses designed by tough year, and we want Light the schools and community groups. North to bring us all a little closer At the end of the trail, the 50 large together while raising vital funds for Light the North will lighthouses will be displayed and Clan. Our auction will take place on shine a light across the auctioned off on 1 November to 1st November online and in-person raise funds for the charity. to give people the opportunity north-east and Northern to own a unique art piece. Each Isles helping to spread Fiona Fernie, Clan’s Head of lighthouse has a fantastic story to awareness and funds for Income Generation and Business tell, and we love that these stories Clan’s professional cancer Development pictured above with will go on thanks to those bidding at support services. Charlie Langhorne of Wild in Art, the auction. said: “We’re delighted to bring Light the North to so many communities “The lighthouse trail is a great You can keep up to date throughout the north-east and way to get out there to support with the trail and fnd out Northern Isles. We’ve often heard a cherished local charity and more by visiting our clients and people afected by reconnect with the wonderful www.lightthenorth.co.uk cancer describe Clan as a ‘light people and communities we have in the dark’ during their cancer across the north-east and Northern journey, making the symbology of Isles.” lighthouses the perfect ft for our sculpture trail.”

30 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

POLE STAR SUPPORTS SALVAGE AND MARINE OPERATIONS Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) are responsible for managing the environmental and safety risks associated with the oil and ammunition remaining on Ministry of Defence (MOD) wrecks.

Matt Skelhorn, Wreck Manager - Salvage & Marine Operations, MOD

s part of a recently initiated 17 October 1918, less than one programme to rapidly month before the end of the First Aassess the condition of World War. The wreck, which was wrecks around the UK coast last surveyed in 1997 is largely SALMO deployed onboard NLV intact like many others detected POLE STAR in late April to survey during the deployment. south of the Mull of Kintyre. Both myself and Kevin would Thanks to the surveying expertise like to extend our thanks to the of Mr Kevin Gallagher of NLB in general and Frazer Munro Clydeside Surveys Ltd and the and the crew of POLE STAR, in expert assistance of POLE STAR’s particular, for helping us to achieve crew the deployment exceeded our objectives and for being expectations with an impressive exceptionally accommodating total of 35 wrecks examined. throughout.

The example shown here is the wreck of SS Bonvilston. The ship was torpedoed by UB-92 on

DGPS Service to be discontinued in 2022

The three General Lighthouse be available around 2022. Vessels MARITIME SAFETY Authorities (NLB, Trinity House that need high accuracy position and and Irish Lights) will discontinue integrity for operations mainly utilise Following a change in maritime their Differential GPS (DGPS) service a number of Commercial satellite- receiver standards in 2003, all in March 2022. The GLAs made this based services; the decision to receivers now include Receiver decision after carefully considering discontinue DGPS has no operational Autonomous Integrity Monitoring the results from an extensive impact on these services. (RAIM). RAIM is a means of consultation carried out with determining whether the resulting stakeholders and service users. The GLAs advise mariners to position estimate is safe to use consider their use of DGPS and through an algorithm within the The GLAs introduced DGPS in to plan for its discontinuance receiver. 1995 as part of the mix of marine accordingly. Mariners should check aids to navigation (AtoN) provided to their GNSS receiver(s) to confirm Differential corrections are also safeguard mariners within their the presence of RAIM and consider available from other sources, combined waters and to help protect upgrading to type-approved SBAS including Satellite Based the environment. The system receiving equipment when available. Augmentation Systems (SBAS), became fully operational in 1997. which are primarily provided for The GLAs encourage mariners to use aviation users. Work is underway all available AtoN - whether visual in Europe to introduce a maritime or electronic - to support their safe service to EGNOS, the European passage and the protection of the SBAS. This service is expected to environment.

31 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

Wedding News

Congratulations to AB, Darren Brennan and his wife Lynn who were married on 24 August 2020. The wedding took place on the beautiful Greek Island of Skiathos. The boat they are on is the ‘Kalypso’ which featured in the flm Mamma Mia!

New baby!

Congratulations to Master of POLE STAR, Mike Smith and his partner Allison on the birth of their gorgeous son Finlay who was born in Chichester on 30 March 2021.

OBE for our Chief Executive

Our Chief Executive Mike Bullock was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List recognising his work for services to the Safety and Welfare of Seafarers.

Mike, who receives the OBE to add to his military MBE, took early retirement from the Royal Navy in the rank of Commodore to join the Northern Lighthouse Board as Chief Executive in April 2014.

Congratulations Mike!

32 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

Retirement: Captain Eric Smith

PHIL DAY, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

fter a 47 year career at charting changes to NLB lights to sea, 35 of them with NLB, Gaelic names, as well as ensuring ACaptain Eric Smith offcially our bilingual signage is accurate. retired as Master on 1 April 2021. Some thought it was an elaborate He’s also no stranger to the media April Fool’s joke but sadly for us and in 2017 BBC Alba followed Eric it wasn’t and on his fnal working as he sailed between Scotland’s day, Eric left POLE STAR for the network of navigational aids. You last time to the sound of the can watch clips from the series on bagpipes. https://www.bbc.co.uk/ programmes/b095fr1f Eric served with Denholm Ship Management before he joined Eric’s encouragement and NLB as Second Offcer in 1986. mentoring of cadets starting their Progressing through the ranks he careers at sea leaves an important was promoted to Master in 1995. lasting legacy. He regularly Initially appointed to NLV FINGAL dedicated his personal time to he subsequently commanded NLV instruct, mentor and guide and has POLE STAR IV and NLV PHAROS X often boosted cadets’ knowledge bringing both vessels into service and understanding in their crucial from the builder. last sea phase before fnal Oral exams. Born and raised on Lewis, Eric is a native Gaelic speaker and has We will really miss you Eric and taken an active part in promoting we wish you all the best for a long both the culture and language. and happy retirement. He played a prominent part in

33 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

Lifelong Learning

RACHEL AITKEN, HR ADVISER

Once a year NLB invites applications from staf wishing to pursue educational development.

LB staff are encouraged Applications are approved and Furthermore they continue to and supported to take on implemented based on resource develop the professional standing Nlearning opportunities that requirements, operational benefts of all teams across NLB. will beneft them and their role and budget availability. In recent within the organisation. years we have seen an increase in Recent successes include Scott the amount of staff taking up the Morton, 2nd Engineer who Levels of learning can range from opportunity which is great news. completed the Chief Engineer’s further education study at College Certifcate of Competency and (SVQ/ HNC/ HND) to higher Committing to studies requires Barry Gannon who completed a education courses at University, a lot of dedication and can Foundation Diploma in RF and and seafarers Certifcates of be challenging when working Microwave Engineering. Competency. and juggling normal day to day activities. But the benefts Finally, good luck to all staff who Applications can be made on the are far reaching. Employees are currently busy with end of year basis of distance learning, day or attaining these awards help modules, assignments and exams! block release with further study support operational fexibility and time available for preparation workforce development practices and completion of exams. NLB such as succession planning. provides fnancial assistance to cover the course and exam fees.

Digital or print - how would you like to receive your copy of the Journal?

If you would like to continue receiving a printed copy you don’t Servi ng the Ma ri ner s ince 1786 need to do anything.

However, if you’d like to help Journal Please see our Privacy Notice Summer 2020 us reduce our impact on the environment please get in touch. within the Transparency section of our website to fnd out how we We’ll just need an email address look after your personal data so that we can send you a link www.nlb.org.uk/transparency/ to our website where you’ll be able to download a copy of the latest Journal and read it on your computer, laptop, tablet or phone.

If you’d like to go digital, let us know by emailing: [email protected]

Story of a Buoy | NLB Stay at Home Lighthouse Competition | Maritime and Me

34 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

Obituary Fiona Vick

Fiona Vick, ESTF Electrical Technician, died suddenly in January. As well as being a talented and dedicated technician, Fiona was a STEM Ambassador and passionate about encouraging young people especially girls into engineering careers. We have absolutely no doubt that Fiona will have inspired many young people to think about engineering as a career through her work with schools and community groups. Our thoughts are with Fiona’s husband David and their two children, Hannah and Charlie.

At Fiona’s funeral, her colleague and good friend Mhairi Wren, gave the following eulogy. Thank you to Mhairi for giving us permission to publish her words in the Journal.

am not a particularly religious I believe in Karma, that what you move forward when someone is person but there are a few give out in life is returned to you gone is one of the hardest parts of Ithings that I frmly believe. I both in life and death. Fiona was a being alive. We may feel like we believe in Heaven, Karma and that good person, she was kind, loving are moving on without Fiona by everything happens for a reason. and thoughtful and she will be our sides, although I truly believe surrounded by those things now. we are not. Fiona is by all our I believe that Heaven is much She didn’t have a bad bone in her sides, watching us, saying sorry if like earth but that you are only body and was always thinking something happens to us. surrounded by love and all of others, like when she started things good. There is art, music Mummy Chat, a local Facebook We will have many happy and and creation and Fiona will be group to make sure that Mums she sad times that we want to tell her surrounded by everyone she has knew, and didn’t, had a support about, and one day, when we meet ever loved that went before her, system. She did this because her again we will, and she will tell and all the things she loved like she needed some support after us that she has been watching us cars, sewing machines and the becoming a Mum and then losing this whole time. biggest lighthouse you have ever her own Mum. She used her need seen. to help others. We will think and talk about you often. You will live on through She is happy and healthy and I believe that everything happens David, Hannah and Charlie. Your there is no pain, sadness, fear for a reason. Fiona and I used to light will shine brightly on in them. or stress. All the dreams she talk about this. David was meant to dreamed of have come true. knock on Fiona’s door to buy a car Rest easy until we meet again my I also like to believe that she from her, it brought them together friend. has stopped saying sorry for and they had a wonderful life and everything that wasn’t her fault. created two beautiful children and a beautiful dream home. That was Mhairi Wren, Operations Assistant I told her one day the toilet at meant to happen. We all meet the work had ran out of paper and people in life that we are meant she said sorry! She apologised to, they all teach us a lesson, for everything and anything. I sometimes good, sometimes bad. think this was because she hated Fiona taught people to be kind when bad things happen to other and help others by being kind and people, even when it was just a always thinking of others. small inconvenience like having to phone someone from the toilet! Mahatma Gandhi said “In the I told her many times to stop midst of death, life persists. In the apologising for things that weren’t midst of untruth, truth persists. her fault, she never did, because In the midst of darkness, light that’s part of who she was. persists.” Life does persist and to

35 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2021

APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS DEATHS

Chris Somerville It is with sadness we have to Master report the following deaths:

David Albutt Mechanical Technician, John Campbell Shetland Former AB and Coxswain

Angela Cahill Procurement Specialist Keith Burghes Former Assistant Lightkeeper, husband of Ingrid Burghes

Chris Somerville PROMOTIONS Master, POLE STAR Fiona Vick ESTF Electrical Technician, Colin Morrison wife of David and mum to I was delighted to be offered the Appointed Bosun, POLE STAR Hannah and Charlie position as Master with NLB as I’ve always had a keen interest in Craig Peacock NLB’s work. Appointed Chief Caterer, Gordon Wishart PHAROS Former Foreman at Granton Growing up in Oban with a family Depot history of seafarers, going to sea was a natural choice of career. I started my cadetship in 2005 on RETIREMENTS container vessels travelling the globe. After qualifying in 2008, I George Callaghan moved to offshore PSV vessels Facilities Offcer where I progressed to Master in 2017. During my years offshore I worked mainly in Europe with Eric Smith some time spent on the west coast Master of Greenland for exploration. John Baxter When I’m not working I spend Bosun time with my family and generally I like to do anything that takes me Stuart Gowans outdoors. I have a nine year old Stores Supervisor daughter and a young springador puppy and I’m engaged to be married later this year. LEAVERS

Over the past year I’ve developed Anna Lawlor an interest in drone photography Chief Caterer which is amazing in this part of the world. Jenny Gilbertson Civil Project Engineer

36 MarineServices

Over 200 years of service to the mariner Our primary function is to carry out our statutory duties providing Aids to Navigation for the safety of the mariner. However, the Merchant Shipping and Maritime Security Act 1997, allows us to use any spare capacity in the statutory programme to offer marine support services to clients. As the most experienced provider of AtoN services in Scottish and Manx waters, fnd out how we could support you.

Vessel Services Equipped to levels normally only found in much larger vessels, NLV PHAROS and NLV POLE STAR provide versatile platforms for research, sea trials, hydrographic surveying and other marine support services.

Aids to Navigation provision, maintenance and servicing Our commercial AtoN services include provision of temporary or permanent AtoNs, deployment or removal, solarisation, maintenance servicing and refurbishment. Whether marking a port approach, marine renewable energy sites or a decommissioned oil rig, we can design a solution to suit.

Professional Advisory Services We can provide innovative solutions in the areas of marking decommissoned oil and gas installations, solarisation in extreme climates and littoral engineering solutions.

The Northern Lighthouse Board Marine Base Support is Certifcated to:- NLB Oban offers full marine base support facilities, including berthing services, ultra high pressure washing, paint spray booth, electrical and • BS ISO 45001:2018 - Occupational electronic testing and engineering support. Health and Safety Management System

• BS EN ISO 9001:2015 - Quality Management System

• BS EN ISO 14001:2015 - Environmental Management System

• BS EN ISO/IEC 27001:2013 - Information Security Management More than Lighthouses System www.nlb.org.uk The Northern Lighthouse Board is the General Lighthouse Authority responsible for Scotland and the Isle of Man.

PATRON: NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSE BOARD Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal 84 George Street Edinburgh Chair: Alastair Beveridge EH2 3DA Vice Chair: Elaine Wilkinson Chief Executive: Mike Bullock Telephone: 0131 473 3100 Director Of Operations: Captain Phillip Day E-Mail: [email protected] Director Of Business Services: Mairi Rae Website: www.nlb.org.uk @northernlighthouseboard Journal produced by Fiona Holmes @nlb_uk

Recycle – once you have fnished with your Journal why not pass it on to a friend or recycle it. The paper used for this publication is a recyclable and renewable product. It has been produced using wood sourced from sustainable managed forests. “In Salutem Omnium” For the Safety of All