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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 1 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Winter 2020 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 2 More than Lighthouses - www.nlb.org.uk 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.