Serving the Mariner since 1786 Journal Winter 2020

Butt of Lewis Refurbishment | Start Point Anniversary | Cadets | Orkney Lights Story of a Buoy | NLB Stay at Home Lighthouse Competition | Maritime and Me Journal Contents WINTER 2020 | ISSUE NUMBER 117 1 Welcome from Mike Bullock

3 Message from the Chair Mike Brew 22-23 4-5

4-5 Health, Safety & Environmental News

6-7 Vessel Replacement Project

8-13 Q&A with Renewals Team

14-1512-13 16-17 10-11 14 Heritage Trust 11 to11 to15 15 17-19 8-13 8-9 16 4 Museum of Scottish Lighthouses

17-19 18 Anniversary of Start Point Lighthouse

20-23 Cadets

24-25 Orkney Lights 20-23 24-25 12-15 26-27 12-15 Wind Vanes

28-29 30-31 Projects Butt of Lewis and Rubha Cuil-Cheanna

33 A Career at Sea - Sean Rathbone

34-36 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:

Cover: Butt of Lewis Lighthouse Fiona Holmes 84, George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DA. Photo credit: Luke Johnson, Technician Disclaimer: Published articles are not necessarily the views of the editor or the Northern Lighthouse Board. More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk

Welcome from Mike Bullock

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

t just seems like a couple of That’s not to downplay the now reaching the exciting stage months since I was writing my additional pressure on individuals when we actually get to see the first Iarticle for the Summer edition as they have had to come to terms glimpses of drawings which indicate and here we are with chilly, dark with this new reality, nor to ignore what the new ship is going to look nights and my NLB woolly hat as the worries about friends and family, like. an essential accessory for any foray the loneliness experienced by beyond the front door. some when homeworking, the The one thing we haven’t been able restriction of shore leave for mariners to do for obvious reasons is to get With some certainty I am sure or having to travel long distances the recipients of Long Service and that anybody who reads this will alone by car. But the team have Special Recognition awards together have had a far from ordinary year coped magnificently and in summary for the annual dinner. I very much and this is definitely true for the NLB NLB continues to deliver as it has hope that the next edition of the team. In many ways our world has since 1786. Journal will once again be adorned been turned upside down, but what with those fabulous photos of the is remarkable is how everyone has One of the highlights of my event showing everyone looking simply got on with things. Innovation summer was the opportunity glamorous in their finest. If you and adaptability have been the watch to get out of Edinburgh and don’t know what I mean have a look words and the bottom line for NLB’s at pages 12-15 in the Summer 2019 user community is that we have spend time with Inverness edition which is available on the NLB continued to deliver our vital safety based Technicians servicing the website, the smiling happy faces are service without interruption. lights around Kyle of Lochalsh. an absolute tonic. It was also a great reminder of As you will appreciate behind the amazing natural beauty Traditionally in the run up to the scenes there have been of Scotland that NLB helps Christmas there are a whole calendar inevitable disruptions to the of events, the Children’s Party in the planned programme of work, protect. Stevenson Rooms, the ‘Dip’, Charity most notably having to suspend Raffle, Carol Concert and team For some inexplicable reason what lighthouse refurbishments, but as lunches which usually involves I had completely forgotten was soon as the Scottish Government dancing to the Bay City Rollers at the ferocious appetite of one of rules allowed our contractors were some point in the evening. Although Scotland’s smallest creatures, the back on site getting on with the task. I doubt any will go ahead in a infamous midge, but an hour on conventional way I am already aware Sandaig Island brought the memories For those on the frontline carrying of plans for virtual events which just flooding back! out the maintenance of Aids to goes to underline the ingenuity of the

Navigation, operating the ships team. I also had the opportunity to spend a or conducting surveys for future day onboard (and under) POLE STAR capital work there have been new It just remains for me to say to NLB’s during her dry-docking in Rosyth procedures to adopt, to ensure staff, past and present, neighbours to see the work being done and everyone remains safe. But and all readers of the Journal a very more importantly to chat to crew observing safe systems of work is happy Christmas and offer my best members. But that aside much of what we do every single day so in wishes for a healthy New Year. many ways managing Covid has my focus has been on the Vessel just been an extension to existing Replacement Project which is routines. moving ahead to plan and we are MIKE BULLOCK

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OUR MISSION: “ To deliver a reliable, efficient and cost-effective Aids to Navigation service for the benefit and safety of all Mariners”

COMMISSIONERS OF NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSES (As at 1 December 2020)

Captain Michael Brew (Chair) Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull Nominated by the Lieutenant-Governor of Isle of Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin Man and appointed by the Secretary of State Brian Archibald Captain Alastair Beveridge (Vice Chair) Elected by the Commissioners Elected by the Commissioners Hugh Shaw Rt Hon James Wolffe QC Elected by the Commissioners Lord Advocate Rob Woodward Alison Di Rollo QC Appointed by the Department for Transport Solicitor General of Scotland Elaine Wilkinson Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar Appointed by Transport Scotland Sheriff Principal of South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway Councillor Frank Ross The Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Edinburgh Sheriff Principal Marysia Lewis Sheriff Principal of Tayside, Central and Fife Councillor Philip Braat The Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Glasgow Sheriff Principal Duncan Murray WS Sheriff Principal of North Strathclyde Councillor Barney Crockett Lord Provost of Aberdeen Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle Sheriff Principal of Councillor Bill Lobban Grampian, Highlands and Islands Convenor of Highland Council

Sheriff Principal Mhairi Stephen QC Provost of the Council of Argyll and Bute Sheriff Principal of Lothian and Borders

“In Salutem Omnium” For the Safety of All

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CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Mike Brew

s I begin to write this article, current difficulties and uncertainties, the Sheriffs Principal, bring an Covid-19 restrictions are being has a comprehensive plan for the entirely different perspective and Aupgraded in response to challenging years that lie ahead. level of challenge to Board meetings rising levels of infection and hospital compared with those of us from a admissions. Far from seeing the end Commissioner Graham Crerar’s time marine or commercial background. of this crisis the coming winter is on the Board, including serving as This unusual combination works likely to be difficult and stressful and Vice-Chair and Chair, came to an end incredibly well and ensures that the so your need to follow the available in April. His valuable contribution Board of Commissioners maintains a advice and precautions is ever more based on extensive commercial wide range of knowledge and important. experience combined with his marine experience to oversee and support experience as a keen yachtsman will the delivery of NLB’s responsibilities. Home-working and the revised be missed. working arrangements for our ships, I was saddened to hear the news technicians and contractors have However, the Board continues to that Len Scoullar who has been a enabled NLB’s operations to resume recruit high quality Co-opted Commissioner in his role as Provost and continue so that our most Commissioners as was shown by the of Argyll and Bute since 2013, important responsibility, the provision appointment of Brian Archibald. Brian passed away in November and our of high quality and reliable Aids to recently retired as Orkney Islands thoughts are with his wife Beverley Navigation, continues to be fully met. Council Harbour Master and Head at this difficult time. of Marine Services, Engineering and On behalf of the Commissioners I Transport and joined the Board in Finally, I know I speak for all of my would like to thank the whole NLB April. His experience in Orkney plus Board colleagues when I wish you team for your commitment in making his 36 years in the Royal Navy, that the very best for Christmas and the the new working arrangements included command of three warships New Year and above all take great operate so effectively. and high level management roles care of yourself, family and friends. ashore, have already shown that his The Board and Committees have contribution will be different to continued to meet virtually so that Graham’s but just as valuable. the normal level of governance and oversight continues. At our Sheriff Principal Ian Abercrombie October Board meeting, we ceased to be a Commissioner in approved the appointment from April March following his retirement. 2021 of Alistair Beveridge as Chair Like all of the Sheriffs Principal his and Elaine Wilkinson as Vice-Chair. workload was heavy but this never lessened his commitment to NLB or In addition, we approved the Annual his Board and Committee service. Ian Report and Accounts for 2019/20 was succeeded by Sheriff Principal and the Corporate Plan for 2021/26. Aisha Anwar who attended her first These weighty documents show Board meeting in October. that NLB is a very well-managed organisation that delivers on its I have always found that the responsibilities and, despite the Statutory Commissioners, including MIKE BREW

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Health, Safety and Environmental News

Billy Byrne, HS&E Manager

With the easing of lockdown restrictions, earlier in the year, I was able to get over to Skye with Inverness based Technicians Rob Norton, Luke Johnson and Barry Gannon to review working practices under the ‘new normal’.

yself and Mike Bullock were as well as specific information NLB recognises the impact of the in Skye with the Technicians from Frazer Munro, Graham ships’ carbon emissions and Julie Mand it was reassuring to see Moffat and Dave Thomson, on the Humphreys, Amber Standbridge and how they were coping so well with environmental aspects of both ships’ others on the vessel replacement the necessary social distancing, energy efficiency management and project are factoring this into the enhanced levels of hygiene and environmental performance. Looking design stage for the new vessel. wearing face coverings when at the energy efficiency of the ships This will pave the way for the new needed. The trip also reminded me is so important given they are NLB’s ship to be ‘greener’ operating with that no day is ever the same at NLB, biggest single source of carbon less pollutants being emitted into the when one of Robert Norton’s jobs emissions. environment. was to cut down a tree and bush that were obscuring the Eileanan Dubha day mark! See below for the before Environmental issues have been on our agenda for a and after photos. number of years particularly as we operate in some amazing unspoilt coastal locations. As an organisation Earlier in the year I visited POLE STAR when the vessel was in we have, to date, made significant progress in harnessing dry dock at Rosyth. As you would renewable solar energy via photovoltaic panels since the expect, the crew were very much early 1990’s, enabling the use of ‘green’ energy to power tuned into Covid-19 and HS&E safe buoys and lighthouses and making a reduction in the working requirements. There were some really useful discussions on use of fossil fuels where possible. Health and Safety topics in general

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With greater emphasis on making It shouldn’t be forgotten that Despite the pandemic it has been further environmental enhancements all NLB employees contribute business as usual for NLB. For those and so that we can capture areas positively to a successful working on the ships and out on site where improvements can and have this will often be in harsh weather already been made, we are in the environmental performance conditions and at remote locations. process of drafting a Carbon through their day to day I am therefore very pleased to report Management Plan. actions and project work. More that for the months of August and details to follow on this in the September, there wasn’t one This was initiated from a meeting next edition of the Journal. But accident or incident recorded at all arranged by Jim McBrier, Risk and just to whet your appetite, we within NLB. Improvement Manager with Zero Waste Scotland. Input will come can report that the ships alone However, none of us can be from Jim, Derek Main and Anne will have saved approximately complacent and we must continue James HS&E Advisers, and 36,135 disposable cups a year to work safely going forward. So Joe Hothersall Mechanical Engineer. by moving away from using please take care, look out for each NLB’s Environmental Workgroup paper and plastic cups. other and above all stay safe! and Zero Waste Scotland will also support the project. The aim of the plan is to highlight where our carbon emissions come from and how we can adopt a targeted approach to reducing emissions. This will also demonstrate how we, as an organisation, are helping to mitigate climate change.

Above: POLE STAR in dry dock at Babcock’s Rosyth facilities. Photo credit Devlin Photo©

Right: POLE STAR crew members Mark, Niki and Tony with Technicians Iain and John and Apprentice Lachlan.

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Vessel Replacement Project

Julie Humphreys, PMO Manager

As NLV POLE STAR approaches the end of her economic operational life, the Vessel Replacement Project Team are committed to ensuring the project remains on schedule.

Image credit Charlie Philips©

ith so much uncertainty regarding The project team are gaining so much valuable Brexit and the consequences of the Wpandemic for buyers and suppliers information that a big thank you is in order to: globally, the project board and team are keeping a close watch on the world stage. And in order to capture emerging risks that might affect project • Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL) performance and delivery, we are constantly reviewing the Vessel Replacement Project (VRP) • British Antarctic Survey (BAS) - National risk register. Environment Research Council (NERC) • Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) COLLABORATION AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING • UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)

A really interesting part of the project is virtually • Marine Scotland meeting so many key project delivery professionals and functional leads from a range of organisations • Trinity House and they are supporting us in so many ways. For • Scottish Government example, by sharing knowledge, experience and documentation, as well as lessons learned.

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Key Dates

TASK *ESTIMATED TIMELINE

Strategic Outline Case Complete May 2020

PIN published on OJEU, Contracts Finder, Society of Maritime Complete October 2020 Industries and sent to global shipyards

Outline Business Case submission to DfT and Cabinet Office Early 2021

Industry Day(s) Early 2021

Invitation to Tender (ITT) advertised Summer/Autumn 2021

Full Business Case submission to DfT and Cabinet Office Spring/Summer 2022

Contract Award Summer 2022

Design and Build period Summer 2022 - Autumn 2024

*Dates are indicative and subject to change

In September, we presented an Early There will be a lot of preparation for developed by NLB’s shore and ships’ Market Engagement Strategy to the virtual meeting with CAB, but it is staff, this has to date, delivered the Department for Transport (DfT) - another important project milestone a proposed hull form and general Commercial Assurance Board (CAB) in progressing the OBC through the arrangement that is growing in detail detailing our aims and objectives. approvals process. Following the week by week. December CAB milestone, the team We issued a Prior Information anticipates delivery of the OBC to Tank tests (towing a scale model of Notice (PIN)1 on the Official Journal DfT and Cabinet Office for approvals the hull in calm and to scale sea of the European Union (OJEU) and in early 2021. conditions in a tank) take place at Contracts Finder in October. This Force Technology at the end of allows us to complete early market We still have a lot to do and this is a November. These will confirm the consultation, observing the principles cross-discipline effort with input from calculated speed and power of Public Procurement Regulations Finance and Procurement, as well as requirements and will allow us to 2015. the Project Management Team who move forward with the completion of welcomed Amber Standbridge to the technical specification by the end During October and early November the team as Project Co-ordinator of February 2021. the Project team ran workshops in August 2020. which looked at Benefits Analysis, We are certainly making progress Economic Appraisal and Risk On the technical side, the team and we look forward to updating you Assessment and Modelling. have been working with the with further developments in the contracted consultants OSK Ship Summer Journal. In December the team will deliver Tech from Copenhagen, Denmark, a draft Procurement Strategy and in the development of a detailed Outline Business Case (OBC) to DfT technical specification. Based CAB for review and assurance. on a statement of requirements

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

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Q&A Renewals Team

In this new feature we talk to two members of the Renewals Team, Paul Hudson, Programme and Renewals Manager and Colin Fender, Project Design Engineer. Read on to find out what Paul did before joining NLB (this turned out to be quite a lot!), how guitars and fly fishing keep him busy when he’s not at work and why Colin is flying high over Ben Nevis and beyond.

PAUL HUDSON

Programme and Renewals Manager

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR NLB?

It will be five years by May 2021. I joined as an I then went to University to do an Engineering Electrical Engineer (Projects) and then moved into Honours Degree, followed by a Masters Degree in the role of Programmes and Renewals Manager in Manufacturing, Technology and Management. For January 2017. a short time I worked as an Applications Engineer automating measuring equipment and then joined Doncasters Open Die Forgers as Engineering WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE JOINING NLB? Manager. I was responsible for all aspects of engineering including mechanical, hydraulics, furnace I’ve always worked in Engineering mostly within instrumentation and control and civil engineering. manufacturing. After leaving school I served an Electrical apprenticeship at Forgemasters Steels in At this point I started working towards my Chartered their melting shop. It was at this time that I started my Electrical Engineer status with the Institution of further education in Electrical Engineering and over a Electrical Engineers (now IET). To gain more experience ten year period I worked through my Btec 1st, ONC and I left Doncasters to join Yorkshire Water working in their HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Standards and Projects department.

Continues on page 10

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“By 2016 the UK steel industry was starting to see large scale redundancies and capital investment was reduced with Tata ultimately selling their Specialty division. It was during this period that I spotted a job advert within the IET careers web page for the role of Electrical Engineer (Projects) with the Northern Lighthouse Board.”

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After 12 months at Yorkshire Water a A typical day involves attending If that isn’t enough I’m an active brilliant opportunity came my way to project design reviews and other member of the Kinross Model join Guardian Industries UK Ltd as an project and management related aircraft club where I fly a selection Electrical Project Engineer during the meetings. As we are all having to of models. I’m also a member of construction of a new float glass work differently at the moment I try Cramond Fly Fishing Club. I’m always factory. The experience I gained to spend as much time as possible looking for people to go fly fishing there enabled me to achieve my talking to my teams through Zoom with. Charter Engineer status, which I and generally trying to give support. am very proud of. Although I do like an opportunity to Family wise it’s my wife and I and practice some Engineering so I try our two Border Collies, who used to By 2005 I started to miss the steel and grab those when I can. work as sheep dogs when we lived industry and wanted to further my at our small holding. project engineering so I left Guardian industries to join Siemens VAI. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE The division I joined specialised in LIGHTHOUSE? designing plate mills rolling up to 18 tonne ingots into 5m wide plates up My favourite lighthouse has to be to 40m long. These plates go into Start Point on the Orkney island of ship building and pipe manufacturing. Sanday (pictured on page 9). For my This phase in my career took me 40th birthday my wife and I had a around the world to India, China, holiday in Orkney. We took the ferry Korea and South America. As you over to Sanday which has some can imagine these steel works were lovely beaches as well as a black not being built in the most glamorous and white striped lighthouse. On the of locations. ferry we saw a pod of killer whales which was amazing for a lad from In 2011 I was approached to join Tata Sheffield. That said, every lighthouse Speciality Steels as Senior Project I’ve visited is special despite many of Engineer, responsible for managing them presenting lots of problems for multi-disciplinary projects. By 2016 the projects team! the UK steel industry was starting to see large scale redundancies and capital investment was reduced with WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN Tata ultimately selling their Specialty YOUR SPARE TIME? division. It was during this period that I spotted a job advert on the In 2009, my wife and I completed our IET careers web page for the role of own project of a barn conversion in a Electrical Engineer (Projects) with small village between Penistone and NLB. Holmfirth in Yorkshire, home of the TV programme ‘Last of the Summer Wine’. It was a small holding and I CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE had my own small flock of sheep, I AND WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS also raised pigs and kept chickens, LIKE? geese and just for one year turkeys.

As Programmes and Renewals We are currently in the middle Manager, I am accountable for all of another house renovation but our renewal projects which includes otherwise I’ve played guitar since project safety, environmental I was a teenager and love playing compliance, legal and construction Rock and Blues. I also build my own (design and management) guitar effects pedals even doing the compliance. I line manage four artwork on the enclosures. To push Project Leaders and one Project myself further I’ve been building Design Engineer who in turn manage valve powered guitar amplifiers, so Project Engineers and without whom far building a copy of a 1957 Fender we wouldn’t be able to deliver the Tweed Deluxe as well as building bulk of NLB projects. They have my a copy of a VOX 18, but with a utmost respect for making my life modified tone stack. so much easier by being such an effective team.

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Q&A

Colin Fender

Project Design Engineer

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR NLB?

I started working with the Northern Lighthouse Board on 12 October 1998 as an Electrical/Electronic Artificer. I remember contacting my uncle who had recently retired from NLB to find out a bit of information about the organisation, before responding to the job advert in the Daily Record. 22 years later and I have to say the time has flown by.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE JOINING NLB?

I served my time as an Electrical Fitter with the South of Scotland Electricity Board and was based at Cockenzie Power Station then Torness Nuclear Power Station for a further nine years. During this time I was part of a team inspecting the internals of the reactor pressure vessel, using a mechanical manipulator and a camera system. Maintaining this equipment in contamination PPE is like going shopping in today’s Covid environment.

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CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN AND WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS YOUR SPARE TIME? “Back in 2013 LIKE? Since starting with the NLB and while working My recent promotion to Project flying to work in a helicopter, I Design Engineer within the discovered a passion for learning on the Bell Rock I Programme and Renewals section to fly. After looking into helicopter of the Operations team, means I’m lessons I quickly found that I wasn’t found a birthday involved with NLB’s electrical design paid enough for that hobby. Back in across1 our estate. I support the 2013 whilst working on the Bell Rock card from my four Project Electrical Engineers in lighthouse I found a birthday card electrical design using my previous from my wife in my bag. Inside the wife in my bag. knowledge and experience in Aids card was a voucher for a flight in a to Navigation (AtoN) operation and microlight aircraft. My first thought Inside the card maintenance. was “Is this her plan to get rid of me?!” But that one flight was all it was a voucher This post also has me looking into took for me to be hooked. I’ve since new technologies which could lead gained my Private Pilot’s licence, for a flight in to improvements on existing AtoN bought my own aircraft and now take systems and future designs including my wife flying with me. Not sure a microlight testing and commissioning. that’s quite what she had in mind when she gave me the voucher! aircraft. My first When2 called upon, I also offer advice thought was is and assistance to the Planning and We often head over to the west Delivery team with existing design coast islands for lunch and weekend this her plan to problems, faults and repairs. trips away and more recently over Ben Nevis across the Glenfinnan get rid of me?! viaduct and home via Glencoe. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE But that one LIGHTHOUSE? With my engineering background and interest in mechanical engineering I flight was all it In my 22 year service I have been went on to gain an aircraft inspectors fortunate to have worked on almost qualification, inspecting microlight took for me to be all of our lighthouse sites, some aircraft for their annual permit to fly. of them no longer part of the hooked.” NLB estate. One of my favourite lighthouses3 would have be Chicken Rock although I have fond and not so fond memories of this light. Back in 2000 I had a fall (something I seem to be good at) while working on the light. I had to be air lifted from the balcony to hospital in the Isle of Man. Luckily the other times have been good ones.

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Main photo: Chicken Rock Lighthouse by Calum MacAulay, Bosun

Right: Chicken Rock Lighthouse by Ian Cowe

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Northern Lighthouse Heritage Trust

Alastair Beveridge, Chairman of the Heritage Trust

nce again I’m writing this and we have not taken the sound recordings and transcripts latest update under the decision lightly. We are very aware from the oral history project along OCovid cloud. With of our responsibilities regarding with photographs, music and so many museums and other the security of the Trust, both other visual material to support interest groups badly affected by financial and material but on any narrative. The idea is to create the virus, it’s not surprising the balance we are confident this is a visual hierarchy diagram of the normal steady flow of applications the right thing to do. people who make up the for funding has slowed down organisation, providing an considerably. However, we are still Considering the level of our introduction to NLB as well as to meeting regularly as a Trust ongoing financial support for the the film. This is an exciting project to make sure our portfolio is Museum, we are cautious about and we’re looking forward to managed as efficiently as possible committing to any further financial working with Gaelgal Productions under difficult market conditions expenditure. However, we recently in the coming months. while putting plans in place post received an application for funding Covid. from the Mull of Galloway Trust Cataloguing our book collection who would like to expand their has also been an open item Our biggest commitment by far exhibition space. I am delighted to for some time. We have remains our ongoing support report that we have agreed to been in discussions with the for the Museum of Scottish contribute towards enhancing Associate Director of Collections Lighthouses in Fraserburgh. This the new displays and information Management at the National has been crucial in allowing the boards. Library of Scotland to look at Museum to weather the storm, options for cataloguing the library. particularly in the early months We have also decided to use this We hope to bring you more when cash flow was at zero and period of relative calm to bring information on this in the next the finances were at a low ebb closure to a couple of our own Journal. after the winter months. However, projects that have been rumbling after an enormous effort by the on for some time. The final tiers of remaining staff, the Museum did the Oral History Project are now reopen in August and some of the complete. It was always our lost ground has been recovered. intention that some or all of But the winter season is now the transcripts would be freely upon us and after very careful accessible to NLB staff and friends deliberation and examination of and also for use by schools and the Museum’s current and future researchers. Our first rather financial projections, we have grandiose ideas turned out to elected to continue our support be hugely expensive and we until March 2021. have been forced to manage our expectations and find a solution By doing so we can help to ensure that meets our aims while being the Museum remains viable over affordable. We have recently been the winter and allow plans to be in discussions with Gaelgal developed for next season. This is Productions with a view to a major commitment by the Trust producing a film based on the

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NLB Online Shop

From hoodies to notebooks and Fairtrade organic cotton bags, we have some exciting new items for sale in our online shop as well as our 2021 Lighthouse Calendar. Why not take a look and find the perfect lighthouse inspired gift for family and friends or just for you! Please note the last day we can post items to arrive in time for Christmas in the UK, is Tuesday 15 December.

www.nlb.org.uk/shop/

Visit our website for product details, prices and to see the full range of items.

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Museum of Scottish Lighthouses

The Museum Team

ince you last heard from us we At the time of writing we have been are pleased to report that we busier than we expected with the Sre-opened our doors following number of bubble group visits. It lockdown on 12 August but with a can mean up to 14 small tours a day much reduced staff. Museum and everybody having to do their bit Manager (now DOCTOR) Lynda and to ensure everything runs smoothly the two Michaels (Collections and for our visitors, but it is worth it to Retail) worked on new policies, risk ensure the future success of the assessments, new operational Museum. We do admit though that Congratulations from plans as well as deep cleaning to every morning at 9.30am, before we all of us at NLB to ensure we were able to open. We open the doors, we have an advance have since been joined by Museum tea break which has now doubled up Dr Lynda McGuigan, Assistant Lesley and Admin as our daily catch up. We do this only Museum Manager who Assistant Frances on a part-time because there may not be the time basis. when the doors open! earlier this year completed her PhD. Our Museum experience now looks We would like to express our thanks very different with online bookings, again to the Northern Lighthouse Lynda’s subject was protective screens up at pay points, Heritage Trust for their generous Pictish Stones. hand sanitiser stations dotted around support package to the Museum the Museum and a one-way system which has really kept us going in with distancing stickers mapped these difficult times. out on the floor. Despite these big changes we have been heartened to In preparing for the future, our hear that visitors are enjoying their Manager has been extremely busy ‘bubble’ tours of Kinnaird Head with various funding applications Lighthouse (one-on-one with our which will be essential as we guides) and have felt safe while approach the 2021/22 season. We visiting us due to all the precautions hope to have good news on this we have put in place. Just check our front in our next article so watch this TripAdvisor page for the reviews! space!

The Museum is now closed for the Winter and will reopen in 2021.

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Start Point Lighthouse 150th Anniversary 1870-2020

Roderick Thorne

Roderick Thorne and his wife Sylvia moved to Sanday in 1984. Roderick was Head Teacher at the island’s school and retired in 1997. In 2005 he was appointed by the island’s Development Trust to be Sanday’s first Ranger, a post from which he retired in 2015. In this fascinating article, Roderick tells the story of the second lighthouse on Sanday which turned 150 years old this year.

6th August 2006 - RLK Andrew Skea 2nd left, Roger Lockwood 3rd left

n 2006, Sanday’s Lighthouse In 1782 a series of storms around March 15th 1802, and completed celebrated its bicentenary with Britain’s coasts, was reckoned in folk the same year. By then local Ia number of guided visits to the memory, to have been worse than opinion had already dismissed it as tower organised by the Northern those that had wrecked the Spanish unsuitable, so it was designed with Lighthouse Board and Sanday’s Armada in 1588. Just four years conversion in mind. In a letter to the Development Trust. That same year later, in 1786, a House of Commons Commissioners the Rev. William on 6 August, 60 folk joined Roger Bill proposed the establishment of Grant of Sanday had listed twenty Lockwood, the then Northern a Board of Commissioners with the two shipwrecks that had occurred Lighthouse Board’s Chief Executive, authority to build lights in Scotland’s in the area since 1788, and pointed as he unveiled a commemorative most dangerous sea areas. Within a out that since most of them had plaque (photograph above). The month the Bill became a Statute, happened at night, only a lighthouse guided tours proved so popular that and the first four to be established could serve any useful purpose. monthly visits remained an attraction were on the Mull of Kintyre, Eilean for visitors throughout subsequent Glas, Kinnaird Head, and North This recommendation was accepted, summer seasons until this year. Ronaldsay. Their success in and the famous Thomas Smith and reducing the incidence of shipwrecks his apprentice Robert Stevenson As far back as the sixteenth century, was soon recognised, and another were engineers for the project. It Jo Ben wrote of this treacherous Act of Parliament allowed the can’t have been easy for Robert to stretch of Scotland’s coast: Commissioners powers to establish engender local support; the local more lighthouses “upon any parts of minister was reputed to pray “There is a dangerous point the coast of Scotland as they shall devotedly every Sunday for those deem necessary.” in peril on the sea, to ask God politely called the Star (sic) of if He intended to sink any ships Lopness, where so many The foundation of Start Point tower, soon and, if so, whether He couldn’t English and German vessels first constructed as an unlit beacon, organise it so they were wrecked on perish.” was laid with Masonic honours on Sanday.

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The Notice to Mariners that appeared The Daniell illustration shows the in the Edinburgh Evening Courant of tower is in the foreground, the November 4th 1805 indicated that Keepers’ domiciles behind, and the Start Point would be lit on the first sea in the background, with Fair Isle day of the new year. In fact it was making an appearance on the not until October 2nd that Sanday’s left-hand side of the horizon. When revolving light – the first such the changes were made to the apparatus in Scotland – was first structures in 1870; the tower was illuminated. rebuilt on the seaward side of the living quarters (photograph 5 Start Point’s new Lighthouse had opposite). not only made the original Sanday beacon-tower unnecessary, but now, What was the reason for the rebuild, too, the North Ronaldsay Lighthouse though? Possibly, during their regular was considered redundant; it ceased inspections, the Stevensons, whose operating in 1809 (it was later standards were the very highest, reinstated), and the lantern was decided that the original building replaced by a very large masonry ball material – local stone – was too 2. Daniell Lighthouse 1821 which had been taken from the old friable and unsound. Craig Mair, Start Point beacon three years earlier. author, in 1978, of A Star for That stone ball remains intact atop Soon after, Sanday’s Lighthouse Seamen, had access to the private the original North Ronaldsay Light, Stevenson family papers; describing which for many years now has been was rebuilt and this year that the original lighthouse, he wrote: shrouded in scaffolding. structure is 150 years old. Tom Kent’s photograph - photograph It was originally intended to build The author Walter Scott joined 3 - was taken around 1910 from the tower of masoned stone, but Robert Stevenson and other the seaward side. In 1919 the since time was short Robert decided Commissioners on their summer unique black and white stripes to build with rubble instead. voyage of inspection in 1814. He wrote: were first painted on over the The new tower was certainly made brickwork. An astute Light of imported brick. It seemed that, “at the Start of Sanda, a lighthouse Keeper, in 1931, listed the date, for some sensible reason, the has been erected lately upon the along with other noteworthy Stevensons decided to relocate and best construction….All in excellent events in the Visitors’ book - rebuild the lighthouse closer to the order and the establishment of the photograph 4. sea, on the other side of the Keepers in the same style of comfort accommodation. and respectability as elsewhere – far better than the house of the master At the time of writing, during the of the Fair Isle and rivalling my own Coronavirus lockdown, there has baronial mansion of Abbotsford.” been no access to the National Library of Scotland, which holds the Despite such a high standard of personal papers of the Stevenson accommodation, domestic life was family. It seems likely that those not quite so easy. Scott noted: documents will hold the explanation for the ‘new’ tower; and provide the “there is one dreadful inconvenience answer to an even bigger mystery. of an island life, of which we have here an instance. The Keeper’s wife Sanday’s Heritage Centre holds had an infant in her arms – her copies of the original plans for the first-born, too, of which the poor Start Point buildings (photographs 6 woman had been delivered without and 7) and the design of the most 3. New tower Tom Kent, c. 1910 assistance.” important feature, the light room and light mechanism. These plans were Daniell’s aquatint of 1821 gifted by the Northern Lighthouse (photograph 2) shows this first Board at the time of the bicentenary lighthouse, which served for sixty of the original Lighthouse. A years. On February 12th 1867, the comparison of the 1806 plan with Orkney Herald carried a Notice a present-day map or aerial image to Mariners about the imminent of the area, indicates that all of the lighting of the Auskerry light – a fixed buildings, the accommodation block white light and presumably to avoid included, were rebuilt in their present confusion, Start Point would change location (photograph 8). to a red light. 4. Lighthouse Visitors' book

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5. Start Point Lighthouse in 2020

The move was less than fifty metres, Assistant Keeper, Roderick McInness In a letter to the and the old Keepers’ accommodation entered service on 17th November (which Walter Scott had compared 1869, and stayed for nearly 18 years Commissioners the Rev. favourably with his own baronial before transferring to Fidra, in the William Grant of Sanday mansion) was demolished. Firth of Forth, as Principal Keeper. had listed twenty two The Light Keepers’ Register records The 1881 Census records that shipwrecks that had the men who were involved in the Roderick was 35 years old, married occurred in the area since transfer. They were: to Mary Ann and had a 7 year old son Donald, and 4 year old twin 1788, and pointed out Principal Keeper, James Smith daughters Margaret and Jessie Ann. that since most of them entered service at Start Point on 4th If only we could talk to them… September 1867, and stayed for 12 had happened at night, years, transferring to Sanda, off the only a lighthouse could Mull of Kintyre, in September 1879. serve any useful purpose.

6. 1806 Plan (A) 7. 1806 Plan (B) 8. 2006 Aerial view of Start Point Lighthouse buildings

19 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Winter 2020

Katie Deck Officer Cadet

Katie Hargreaves is from Lancashire and currently undergoing a Deck Officer Cadetship with Chiltern Maritime. She is studying to get her Officer of the Watch Unlimited Certificate to become a Third Officer where her main job will be navigating the vessel and when not on watch, Katie’s secondary role will be concerned with the vessel’s safety. Katie spent 15 days on PHAROS in July.

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

Cadets We were delighted to offer placements to two cadets earlier this year on both POLE STAR and PHAROS.

n July this year, I was settling into I did some chartwork on the bridge my second ship appointment for and with another Deck Cadet, ran an “I would like to thank Imy Cadetship when I was lucky Enclosed Space Entry and Rescue NLB for giving me this enough to spend 15 days away on drill for the crew. I also drove the the Northern Lighthouse Board’s vessel’s tender and rescue boat opportunity. The vessel PHAROS. carrying out a Man Overboard Drill placement allowed me and did some general maintenance During my placement I experienced on the outside of the vessel where to learn the vital skills to a variety of jobs from the routine we cleaned the vessel’s plimsoll help me move forward work on the navigational buoys at marks. Another task was taking part sea to driving the crane when we in the mooring stations and when the with my training. I left were alongside in port moving chain. vessel was dropping and hauling the the ship with so much I got to understand and carry out anchor. actions given by the Bosun who more knowledge than was using various hand and arm There were some amazing views I had before joining signals. This was a great opportunity around Oban. Most mornings I PHAROS and some to learn the role of a crane operator woke up to a gorgeous view out and the signaler! I also managed to of my cabin window and then in good memories and paint myself more than the forward the evening you could see the sun friendships too!” mooring station! setting too!

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Diane at Bressay Diane at Bressay

Elen Deck Officer Cadet

Elen is from Wiltshire and currently studying at Warsash Maritime Academy, based in Southampton. She is about half way through the course to becoming a Deck Officer. Elen spent 14 weeks on POLE STAR.

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y course is three years Officer in carrying out their placements are extremely difficult long and consists of navigational watch, as well as to come by. For this, as well as the Mcompleting five phases of providing assistance to the Deck training I received and the people I varying length, two of which are team during buoy services. This met, I am extremely grateful. spent at sea on different ship was really interesting to see and I placements, and the other three was able to help with loading the Overall, I have had the best and most are spent at college learning and buoys on deck, opening them up, beneficial three and a half months I studying for exams. I’m in the middle servicing them, and just generally could possibly have had on board of Phase Four; my second and final being part of the team. It was a the POLE STAR. Thank you to sea phase. great experience. everyone for all of your time, help and support in my training. Originally, my sea phase was planned Dry dock was another fantastic to begin in April, with me jetting opportunity that I managed to take Stay safe and hopefully see you all off to Spain to join a cruise ship for part in and, as a Cadet, this was soon! two months. Unfortunately, due to an extremely valuable learning Covid-19, everything was cancelled, experience. Being able to walk and Cadets were left without a around a ship that is entirely out placement and unsure what would of the water is slightly surreal and “Everyone was so happen next. This is where the NLB enabled me to get involved with jobs welcoming and more kindly stepped in. They offered me that could not have been done whilst than happy to answer a six week placement onboard the the ship was in the water. POLE STAR. I joined in Inverness my many, many on 23 July and the rest is history. Six weeks came and went, and I was questions. I was taught still on board. Then, thankfully, NLB During my placement, I spent a lot allowed me to extend my contract to everything from buoy of time with the two departments 14 weeks in order to help me gain as services to route onboard – both Deck and Engine – much sea time as possible. This was developing skills that I would have to extremely helpful and enabled me planning, engine carry out upon qualification, as well not only to build up experience and clearances to chain as gaining an understanding of the confidence carrying out the roles of responsibilities of the Engineers. a Deck Officer, but it also provided clenching, welding to Mainly however, I spent most of my me with a substantial amount of Scottish slang; no stone time assisting the on-duty Deck sea time during a situation where was left unturned. So, two contract extensions and a dry dock later, it’s no wonder everyone was starting to question if I would ever leave!”

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Orkney Lights

Brian Archibald, Commissioner

On 1 April this year I was delighted and privileged to take up my role as one of the Commissioners to the Northern Lighthouse Board but, of course, my whole programme of induction, familiarisation and training was immediately affected by Covid-19.

1 and Rob obviously loved their job and seemed to particularly enjoy the very broad variety of their work and the locations many of which were well beyond their ‘home port’ of Orkney. I also learned a great deal about their on call responsibilities and how their work is most definitely not a 9-5 job.

In addition to enjoying the variety of work and locations, it became obvious on our return trip on the small ferry from Graemsay that they also have to enjoy a variety of travelling companions – in our case, about 80 sheep. Not only were they not adhering to social distancing rules but their destination was not Hoy Low Lighthouse the same as ours hence the 20 minute ferry crossing unexpectedly was therefore very grateful when used all of these lights and hence it turned into a two hour detour. But an opportunity came up to spend was even more interesting to get up such is the life and variety of the NLB I a few days with the Technician close and personal with them from Technician! team in Orkney where I live and, the inside. where until recently, I was Head of Marine Services and Harbour Master During my three days, I was hugely for all the ports and harbours in impressed by the technical Orkney. knowledge and skills which Stuart and Rob had, not just of ‘their lights’ Thus, it was with much excitement but of the local conditions and the that I joined NLB Technicians very necessary relationships with Stuart Flett and Rob Ionides on a wet local people and Retained Lighthouse and windy Sunday in early October. Keepers which are all important parts The plan was to first visit Brough of looking after the NLB assets. of Birsay Lighthouse, Cantick Head It was also an eye opener that, just and Tor Ness on Hoy and the Hoy as the lights were constructed at High and Low lights on the island of very different times and over a long Graemsay at the north end of Scapa period, so too have been the Flow, the following week. technology upgrades. Hence the knowledge of the Technicians has to As Harbour Master with cover everything from the responsibility for marine pilotage obsolescent to technologies not yet and as a keen yachtsman, I had delivered. Not an easy role but Stuart

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2

Cantick Head Lighthouse

“This was a fascinating and, to use a very appropriate word, ‘enlightening’ three days as there is nothing quite as good as getting to the coal face to learn about an organisation and its people. I am very grateful to Stuart and Rob and for their time and patience with me and I look forward to grabbing future opportunities not just in Orkney but elsewhere and, eventually when Covid allows, at sea.” 3 Brian at Tor Ness

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Wind Vanes and Lighthouses

Extract from RLK report January 2019: “Tail section of wind vane hanging loose from remainder of structure – likely to fall in near future” referring to an observation at Corsewall lighthouse.

Extract from RLK report February 2019: “Tail section of wind vane has now fallen and is located on the hotel roof – the remainder of the wind vane looks precarious – recommend dome be accessed and remedial action be taken to remove or secure remaining section”

nd so it was that Technicians lookout on the ground. A few blows Ross Russell, Colin Dingwall later, and with a yell of satisfaction, Aand Retained Lighthouse the wrought iron central section with Keeper Barry Miller were assigned its copper arrow head, which had Trouble aloft at Corsewall, January 2019 with the job of fixing the wind vane been bolted there in 1816, was free. at Corsewall Lighthouse. At the time of building, Corsewall On the ground it was apparent that was fitted with nine pressurised A comprehensive safety and the grease which had been used to sperm-whale oil lamps each inside procedural plan was worked out and fit the vane on the square cross silvered parabolic reflectors. The armed with a very large adjustable section spindle was still as fresh efficient burning of these lamps wrench and pretty heavy hammer, as the day it was installed – would depend on a constant and Colin and Ross ventured up the presumably sperm whale grease adjustable supply of oxygen – hence tower and out onto the top of the since the date long precedes the the design. Please note, NLB no dome with Barry acting as safety/ extraction of mineral oils from the longer uses whale products in its ground. operations.

MANUFACTURE OF REPLACEMENT WIND VANE

Barry was charged with sourcing a replacement wind vane and engaged the help of Stranraer based engineer Bobby McMillan. An exact copy would need to be made but using On lighthouses, wind vanes are marine grade stainless steel rather attached to very substantial than the wrought iron/copper/lead rotating flue/ventilators on the top construction which had failed. Fins of the domes. As the wind vane (flights) and the head were precision rotates it directs the opening in the cut with a computer guided laser flue/ventilator downwind creating a cutter – the boss was the problem – Venturi effect drawing air in through marine grade stainless steel is very brass adjustable vents in the watch hard and it was decided to go for a room walls, up through the light weld solution – four pieces of 15mm Ross and Colin arriving at the office at room, past the lamps and out of the plate cut. These were MIG welded Corsewall, May 2019 top of the dome. round a mock spindle. The laser cut

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

arrow head and fin sections were task. A specialised machine head TIG welded to the boss, the head was ordered and the boss expertly was balanced by partially filling with and precisely cut - a second stunning lead shot and the stunning new sliver arrow was added to the NLBs “silver arrow” was complete. So list of assets. With the boss milled confident were the Stranraer team from a solid block, possibly a 1,000 with their laser/TIG/MIG technology year guarantee from the Oban that they were able to offer NLB a team?! 500 year guarantee against failure of the new vane.

(TIG welding – tungsten inert gas – an The stainless arc is struck between the substrate steel arrow made metal and a non consumable tungsten in Oban by Ross Russell. This will tip – this melts the substrate metal be painted black to Wind vane and rotating roof ventilator at and a filler metal is fed in to make replicate the original Mull of Galloway - Ushenish and Muckle the weld bead – inert gas shields the design Fligga have similar v-shaped vane flights molten weld pool from the atmosphere preventing oxidation – TIG, suited to Meanwhile, over at the Mull of fine precision work, is very accurate Galloway, the wind vane needed and controllable; MIG – metal inert gas freeing off and oiling, a job which – filler metal is mechanically fed had last been undertaken by Colin to the weld pool where an arc is around five years ago. struck; again an inert gas (argon mix) LOCH RYAN AND MULL OF shields the weld pool –MIG is highly GALLOWAY Once again the Russell/Dingwall/ flexible and efficient including thick Miller team was back in action. In Immediately post lockdown, in July penetration welds). glorious weather both were fixed in 2020 there were wind vane issues record time. The electrical equipment The Russell/Dingwall/Miller team at both Loch Ryan and the Mull of at Loch Ryan is now safe from was reassembled and along with Galloway. flooding and the vane at Mull of Mechanical Engineer, Joe Hothersall, Galloway once again spins as free Corsewall is once again graced with Loch Ryan is fitted with a copper as the huge flocks of swifts which crowning flourish. cowl over the flue vent rather than swirled around us during the job. a wind vane. The cowl was secured to the copper flue with 4 copper bolts – 3 had failed. Large In a post-note it was concluded evaporation trays are suspended that the external equipment on the Corsewall’s old and below the flues in lighthouse domes top of lighthouse domes continues new wind vanes to catch any rain water and allow it to to require ongoing monitoring and evaporate rather than falling on the maintenance and we might suggest lens and lamps in the light room. The a micro-bore copper oiler-pipe be design has worked absolutely installed in light rooms to allow the perfectly for over 200 years but at wind vane bearings to be oiled from Loch Ryan the suspension chains the light room with a syringe oiler. had corroded through so the tray was dangling loose. This coupled with the cowl bolt failure resulted in rain water soaking the top of the electrical enclosure containing the modem/chargers and other control WIND VANE AT STOER HEAD equipment. Next Covid and a wind vane failure at Stoer Head Lighthouse. Ross was on his own for this one! A complete replacement was required. Knowing weld failure of the boss was a possible weak point in the Stranraer design, Ross opted to go one step further and make his boss out of solid stainless billet. This would require an accurate 45mm Above: Drip tray and adjustable copper bowl square hole through a 60mm block at Loch Ryan of marine stainless steel - no mean Right: On the dome at Mull of Galloway

27 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Winter 2020

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse Refurbishment and Upgrade

The refurbishment and upgrade work at the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse was due to finish in March 2020 but the pandemic meant we had to postpone operations for a few months.

TRAC Engineering were appointed to carry out the work following a competitive tender process. They resumed work in July after putting in place measures to allow safe working under Covid-19 restrictions. The work has involved replacing the lighthouse’s rotating optic with a static flashing LED to achieve more efficiency and lower maintenance costs, external redecoration of the former Keepers’ buildings, control block, engine room, tower, light room and dome as well as internal redecoration of the tower, watch room and light room. Broken glazing panels in the light room have been replaced and an extension to the balcony walkway, installed for the old foghorn, has been removed.

Described as the windiest place in the UK, the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse was built by David Stevenson in 1862 and was converted to automatic operation on 30 March 1998.

This essential refurbishment and upgrade work means this iconic lighthouse will be fit for purpose for many more years to come.

Above: TRAC team working on the exterior. Photo credit Parlourwood©

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

New Lighthouse Rubha Cuil-Cheanna

We are constructing this new minor Due to the SSSI and Special Area lighthouse at Rubha Cuil-Cheanna of Conservation designation, we near Corran Point in response to appointed Echoes Ecology, a cruise ship operators concerns about specialist consultant to carry out the increased number of larger cruise an Ecological Impact Assessment vessels passing through the Corran of the site. Narrows, a difficult stretch of water to navigate. We also consulted with SEPA, Highland Council, PDG and our The new lighthouse will assist appointed contractor. This level of southbound traffic using the same consultation is vitally important LED technology as the beacon at to ensure we meet all of our Corran North East. Construction will obligations and allow us to deliver our be done over three phases between statutory responsibility for the safety now and March 2021. of the mariner. Read more about the project on our website Alongside the engineering and www.nlb.org.uk/news/ technical aspects, we consulted with a number of stakeholders including NatureScot to consider the environmental impact of the work. The proposed site lies within the Onich and North Ballachulish Woods and Shore Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is protected for its geology, woodland and fen features. It is also within a Special Area of Conservation, protected for the same woodland and fen features as the SSSI and it lies close to the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic Area. Images: Delivering cargo to the site in November

DGPS Service to be discontinued in 2022

The three General Lighthouse The GLAs introduced DGPS in Visit our website for full details Authorities (NLB, Trinity House, 1995 as part of the mix of marine www.nlb.org.uk/news/ and Irish Lights) will discontinue aids to navigation (AtoN) provided to their Differential GPS (DGPS) service safeguard mariners within their in March 2022. The GLAs made this combined waters and to help protect decision after carefully considering the environment. The system the results from an extensive became fully operational in 1997. consultation carried out with stakeholders and service users.

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Photo Gallery

Our team have captured some fantastic images over the past six months. Here’s a small selection.

Above: View from the ESTF workshop at our Oban base. Photo by ESTF Technician, Fiona Vick Above: Black Rock Buoy operations. Photo by Bosun, Calum MacAulay

Above: Maintenance and storing trip at Muckle Flugga Lighthouse in November. Photo by Rob Ionides, Electrical/Electronic Technician

Above: PHAROS by AB, Graham Fullard

Above: Haskeir Lighthouse. Photo by Engineering Apprentice, James Addison

Left: Our new electric van parked at Buchan Ness Lighthouse. This green technology is helping us with our aims to reduce our impact on the environment. Photo by Neil Wright, Electrical/Electronic Technician

Right: Mechanical Engineer Joe Hothersall on his way to Muckle Flugga. After three aborted landings due to bad weather the helicopter had to turn back to base. Photo by Principal Electrical Engineer, Alan Cran

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Outreach

During 2019, we championed STEM through engagement with nursery, primary and high school pupils, brownie and scout groups, visits to lighthouses and tours of our vessels and our Oban base. Due to Covid-19, we haven’t been able to continue with any face to face outreach work, until October, when we were absolutely delighted to welcome students from St Ninians Lower School on the Isle of Man to Point of Ayre Lighthouse. Social distancing measures were lifted on the Isle of Man in June and so our Retained Lightkeeper, Fred Fox, was able to give the students and teachers a tour of the tower and to explain how this imposing structure has been keeping mariners safe at sea since 1818. Mike Brew, Chair of the Board of Commisioners and who lives on the Isle of Man, was also on hand to support the visit.

Outreach Online

MARITIME UK CAREERS EVENT NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND WEBINAR

Engineering Apprentice, Lachlan Greig Mike Bullock presented to an online audience on 10 November as did a fantastic job of presenting to part of the National Library of Scotland’s events programme. 188 Careers Professionals during Maritime people joined the live webinar from the USA, Canada, UK (including UK Week. Over Zoom, he talked about Isle of Man), Italy, Spain, France and Germany. You can watch a his own journey to becoming an recording of Mike’s talk via the NLS YouTube channel apprentice. www.youtube.com/user/NLofScotland

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STV NEWS

We were delighted to feature on STV News in November. Mike Bullock and James Addison were interviewed at our Oban Base and at Corran Point Lighthouse for a news item on the future of lighthouses. Davie Ferguson was also interviewed at Ardnamurchan.

Can-Am ATV VEHICLE

DOORS OPEN DAY This new vehicle is based at Inverness for all Although Doors Open Day couldn’t mainland technicians to use. It will be a physically go ahead at the end of revelation as far as off road driving is concerned September, we took part digitally. A and getting to those difficult to reach locations! video about our work and the role of Technicians attended a training course in 84 George Street was hosted on the Auchterarder in August to learn how to operate Doors Open Day website. You can the vehicle. view the video on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/9613Mu7NJQ0

New baby!

Congratulations to Coastal Inspector Fin McKiernan and his wife Sarah on the birth of their son, Ossian Robert McKiernan. Ossian was born on Sunday 6 September 2020 at 09:38 weighing 9lb 11oz, at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. According to Fin he’s already developed a fascination with, ironically, lights - they have proven to be more effective than Follow us on social media to keep dummies for keeping him up to date with our work and to see quiet and settled! images and video taken by the NLB team.

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A Career at Sea Captain Sean Rathbone

On Tuesday 18 August Eric Smith joined the crew of POLE STAR in Oban to wish Sean Rathbone a happy retirement. Sean was retiring from NLB after 28 years service.

We presented Sean with a mounted acetylene gas flasher of the type that were in use on the buoys and which he became very familiar with when he first started with NLB. A card and monetary collection raised by colleagues was also handed over.

ean was to be leaving the ship in common from those heady days of 1992 as Junior 2nd Mate on MV for the final time on the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies POLE STAR (III) which was then SThursday and, following four and weekends in the Park Bar. This based in Stromness. As this was weeks leave, officially retiring on was the high point of cadet training the same start with NLB as I had, I Thursday 17 September. I shall return in the Merchant Navy but very soon can well imagine the culture shock to my use of the word ‘officially’ afterwards, in the early to mid- 80’s coming from a deep sea background. later. the decline started. All the classes in college then had cadets from Checking back on discharge book Before joining NLB in 1992, Sean Denholm’s, Blue Star, Bank Line, dates, Sean joined Fingal in Leith followed a similar career path to P&O, Cunard, Scottish Ship in April 1993. This was the same many of us. Although he started Management, Ben Line, Shell, BP day that I went on leave and his cadetship at sea in 1978, four and many more. transferred to the newly built years later than myself, we were PHAROS (IX). He then followed nevertheless contemporaries during Sean ‘served his time’ and spent across to PHAROS shortly afterwards the late 70’s and early 80’s. several years with Blue Star Line, and remained there until 2001. obtaining his Master Foreign Going Sean then spent several years as We followed the same training certificate of competency. Following 2nd Officer on another new build scheme and have several friends on from this, he joined NLB in July POLE STAR (IV), prior to promotion

Continues on page 34

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APPOINTMENTS

Sean at London International Shipping Week with Mike Brew, former Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani, Phil Day and Mike Bullock, September 2019

Rachel Smith Business Support Manager to Chief Officer in 2007 and transferring to the nearly completed new After studying Philosophy at Glasgow build PHAROS (X) in Gdansk. Following two years on NLV PHAROS, University, I worked in advertising Sean was promoted to Master on NLV POLE STAR, joining that rank in sales, eventually becoming the Sales March 2009. Director for an independent magazine publisher in Glasgow. One Since then we have variously served ‘back to back’ on both PHAROS of the publications we produced was and POLE STAR. Although we have structured written handover notes, a school leaver’s magazine and I we always phoned each other a couple of days beforehand for a less recall selling a lot of advertising space formal discussion of the job – and to put the world to rights. Sean was to merchant shipping companies nothing if not consistent, and whenever he was going on leave and he and cadet training organisations so a phoned me he rarely if ever had written out his notes – it was all in his connection to the maritime industry head. He does though have a very good memory and definitely a go-to was already there. for names and dates and events all the way back in his NLB career. A move to Edinburgh and a keenness When asked to name a highlight of his time to utilise my business development skills in the charity sector led to with NLB, indeed his whole career at sea, he working at three different charities. immediately brought up London International Firstly, I was the charity manager at Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids. I then Shipping Week. It was very obvious from took up a role at Alzheimer Scotland, conversations with Sean how grateful he heading up the Corporate Partnership Team. My last role prior to joining the was to have had this opportunity as a kind of NLB was Head of Income Generation swansong to his long career at sea in the at Waverley Care. Merchant Navy. Outside work I mainly spend my time running after my lively and very As for ‘officially retiring’, one of Sean’s first tasks was to return to chatty toddler. With any time left, PHAROS to cover the autumn trip to Norway. He is also assisting with I enjoy baking (mainly cakes) and the early design and equipment stages of the POLE STAR replacement watching true crime documentaries. vessel. And if that’s not enough, he has also taken up a voluntary position on the NLB Heritage Trust to assist with research and I’m delighted to have joined the archiving. NLB and look forward to meeting everyone in person (hopefully) soon. I It has been a pleasure sailing with Sean over several years, and then especially love the fact that with such having his support when our paths necessarily diverged due to a long and fascinating history, every promotions and serving on different rotas and vessels. Unfortunately day is a school day at the Northern there are few occasions now to meet socially, but when we do we Lighthouse Board! have a common liking of a particularly Scottish spirit which always helps the evenings along.

Sean, we wish you, your wife Christine and sons Scott and Fraser all the very best and hope you have a long and contented retirement.

Captain Eric Smith

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APPOINTMENTS

Tom Donohue Paul Scyner Paul Coffey Electrical Projects Engineer Systems Analyst Able Seaman, PHAROS

My full-time career started in A few months ago I decided I Before joining the Northern Edinburgh after completing a wanted a new challenge in my life Lighthouse Board, my previous jobs degree in electrical and electronic of IT. I’ve always worked in the included working for BP, Maersk, engineering. My first ‘proper’ job was manufacturing industry; The Fletcher Shipping and Hanson with Parsons Peebles Power Glenmorangie Company, Dewars, Aggregates. Transformer Division near Granton in Diageo and Daiwa Sports (a fishing the north of the city. That factory was tackle manufacturer). So, when As for working for NLB, I feel like I eventually reduced to rubble when a recruitment agency contacted have landed the perfect job. I love an oil filled power capacitor ruptured me about the NLB I was certainly being part of a team and everyone and caused a huge fire in 1999 which interested, especially when he said onboard PHAROS has made me feel was nothing to do with me (honest!), that they have four sites; Edinburgh, so welcome. Some of the places as by then I had moved onto jobs Oban, and two ships. Definitely we go to are amazing with absolutely that focussed on industrial controls interested! stunning scenery. I really am pleased systems and automation. to be working for NLB. I’ve travelled a bit over the years It’s a delight to be back working for with my jobs; Switzerland, I am a proud father and love going an organisation with its headquarters France, Germany, and England and for walks with my family. Hobbies in Edinburgh albeit most of us don’t I’m definitely looking forward to include playing golf, watching get to spend much time in George seeing more places in this job, football and reading a good book. Street in these coronavirus affected although I’m not too handy on boats times. I am looking forward to playing so that might be interesting. a part in maintaining, refurbishing and developing NLB’s lighthouses and In the short time I’ve been here I other AtoN facilities. have already met some great people and the environment reminds me of All of the NLB people I have met, Glenmorangie – a family. I’m looking mostly by Zoom rather than in forward to meeting everyone at person, have been friendly and some point in the future, hopefully in helpful. Thank you all for welcoming the flesh. us newbies. Outside work I’m a football coach Outside work and pre-coronavirus which came about in 2010 when I enjoyed playing over-the-board I offered to help out at the local chess in league competitions and boy’s football club (Currie FC). Since coaching juniors towards a greater then I’ve been a coach for the local understanding of the game. In an primary school, high school as well effort to achieve and maintain a as Currie FC. We’ve had some level of fitness, I am a reasonably amazing adventures with the kids committed jogger and my photo including a tournament abroad in above shows me dressed up as Holland. Captain Parkrun just prior to completing my 50th Saturday morning Parkrun event in the good old days i.e. 2019!

35 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Winter 2020

APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS RETIREMENTS

Tom Donohue, Electrical Brian Wright, Payroll Projects Engineer Adminstrator and former Keeper Diarmaid Corbett, Electrical Projects Engineer Jon Laing, Systems Analyst Amber Standbridge, Project Co-ordinator for the vessel Brian McCarthy, Chief replacement project Engineer

Paul Scyner, Systems Analyst Sean Rathbone, Master, NLB Jamie Fitzpatrick Ships Interim Finance Manager Rachel Smith, Business Support Manager John Hasling, Electro Born and dragged up in Dundee, I am Mechanical Engineer Jamie Fitzpatrick, Interim now resident in Larbert, Stirlingshire. Finance Manager Larbert is perfect for a commute and when I relocated from Perthshire in Paul Coffey, Able Seafarer, 2010, I have worked in both Glasgow NLB Ships and Edinburgh. Graham Fullard, Able DEATHS I am an auditor by trade, and spent Seafarer, NLB Ships seven years working for Johnston It is with sadness we have to Carmichael before joining Scottish John Maughan, Able report the following deaths Canals as an accountant. Similar to Seafarer, NLB Ships the Northern Lighthouse Board, the canals have a rich heritage and a Steven Carvel, Procurement Andrew Wilson, former ALK. significant portfolio of world Specialist Dad to Darrin Wilson and renowned assets. From working Grandad to Jordan Wilson in partnership to bring the Kelpies Chris Howard, Electro on to our books to getting inside Technical Officer, PHAROS Len Scoullar, Commissioner the mechanical structure of the Falkirk Wheel, there was never a dull Donald Morrison, Chief John Allan Muir, former moment! Officer, POLE STAR Mechanical Engineer Draftsman. Outside work, my wife and I have three children, three dogs and a Samuel Wood, former AB on cat to keep us busy. As well as PHAROS involvement in the church and Boys former Health Brigade, I like to keep my fitness Mike Petrie, and Safety Manager up as a member of Grangemouth PROMOTIONS Triathlon Club. Gordon Johnson, former Colin Fender appointed , Officer in Charge, Oban Project Design Engineer Depot. Frazer Munro appointed , , former Master, NLB Ships Ian Summers Light Keeper

Bobby Shields, former Chief Steward

Ronnie Couper, former Officer in Charge, Stromness Depot

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, find 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 Certificated 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: Mike Brew EH2 3DA Vice Chair: Alastair Beveridge Chief Executive: Mike Bullock Telephone: 0131 473 3100 Director Of Operations: Captain Phillip Day Fax: 0131 220 2093 Director Of Business Services: Mairi Rae E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.nlb.org.uk Journal produced by Fiona Holmes @northernlighthouseboard @nlb_uk Recycle – once you have finished 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