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Serving the Mariner since 1786 Journal Summer 2019

ARoyal Royal Mission Appointment for PHAROS Northern Board Journal Summer 2019

Journal Contents SUMMER 2019 | ISSUE NUMBER 114 1 Welcome from Mike Bullock

3 Message from the Chair Mike Brew

22-23 4-5 Health, Safety and Environmental Update

6-7 Operations Update

8-9 Business Services Update

10-11 Healthy Living Award 14-1512-13 16-17 10-11 20 12-15 Long-Service and Special Recognition Awards

26-27 16-17 Heritage Trust Update 12-15 18 ’s Outstanding

19 18-20 Historic Portolan

20 First Lighthouse Visit

21 ICE200 and the Bell Rock 12-15 12-15 22-23 In my Father and Grandfather’s Footsteps

24 Museum of Scottish Lighthouses

26-27 20-21 Scapa 100

26-27 28-29 © If you’d like to reproduce any First Light in the articles or photographs in the 20 Journal, please contact the editor [email protected] 30-31 Royal Mission for PHAROS or write to:

Fiona Holmes 84, George Street, EH2 3DA. 32 32 Outreach 28 Disclaimer: Published articles are not necessarily the views of the 34 editor or NLB. NLB at the Cover: Uplifting the Queen’s Rolls-Royce Photo credit: Ruth Armstrong 35-36 Appointments/Leavers/Retirements More than Lighthouses – www.nlb.org.uk

break when the BBC’s One Show I was absolutely delighted (and very screened the long awaited interview relieved!) that the ship got a very with our Patron, HRH The Princess clear thumbs up from Captain Nial Royal, filmed onboard PHAROS and MacFarlane (pictured below with at . The item attracted a Bob Downie, Chief Executive of The lot of very positive comments on Royal Yacht Britannia), who social media and even generated an commanded FINGAL during her article in Hello! magazine online. operational days.

We have also had other great I can’t think of a better or more valuable endorsement. In TV coverage including BBC recognition of the ship’s place in Countryfile Winter Diaries NLB’s history, the Commissioners showing PHAROS undertak- have granted permission for our ing buoy work, Blue Planet Blue Ensign to be flown from the Welcome stern. with our former keeper Ian Duff, RLK Ruairidh Macrae At the end of March, Graham Crerar from Mike with BBC Scotland’s stepped down as NLB’s Chair after Landward at the Butt of two years in post and I would like Bullock to thank him publicly for his tireless Lewis and coverage by BBC work on our behalf. I’d also like to Alba on the new buoys being welcome Captain Mike Brew our CHIEF EXECUTIVE deployed in Oban bay. NLB Commissioner for the into his new role as Chair, and even featured on the cookery Commissioner Alastair Beveridge as veryday NLB’s people are show James Martin’s Great Vice-Chair. working across Scotland and the Isle of Man, often in BRITISH Adventure at North E Just before the Journal went to extreme conditions, to deliver our Ronaldsay with RLK Billy press we heard the sad news about mission to provide a vital safety Muir. the loss of Graham Adamson. service to Mariners. Much of what Graham was a great man and will be we do would seem extraordinary to We have also done a thorough sorely missed by everyone, not least somebody not familiar with our role, revamp of our website which is his shipmates from POLE STAR and however to us it is just another day much easier to navigate and has a PHAROS. at the office/stores/workshop/ship/ fresh bright and modern look - if you lighthouse/beacon/inspection visit. haven’t seen it for yourself log on to Although the sun is shining and www.nlb.org.uk tourists are returning to the streets That said, every now and then, of Edinburgh in their droves, something happens that makes One of the exciting events early indicating that summer must be me stop and reflect on the in the new year was the return of here, just to be on the safe side, we professionalism and skill of our FINGAL back into service, albeit have introduced a very nice compact people. This couldn’t be more true as a very beautiful boutique hotel. NLB umbrella into the range of items than when a few months ago one of Everyone from NLB who has either available from the online shop. PHAROS’ crew took very seriously ill visited for a look around or has as the ship was anchoring off actually stayed onboard is full of Granton late on a Friday night. praise, but the true test came during Everyone played their part to a visit of a group of around 20 NLB absolute perfection, administering veterans in February. life saving first aid, alerting the Captain Nial MacFarlane with Bob Downie, authorities and getting their Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia colleague swiftly ashore and into the care of waiting paramedics. I know it’s what we train and prepare for but my goodness it is gratifying to be reminded how good our team really is. I’m pleased to report that our Luckily they also act as a very good colleague is making a good sunshade - either way they are the recovery. must have accessory of the year! I hope you all have a fabulous Regular Journal readers will be summer, whatever the weather. aware that we have been trying to increase the public’s understanding of what we do. We were barely back from the Christmas and MIKE BULLOCK

1 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2019

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

COMMISIONERS OF NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSES (As at June 2019)

Captain Michael Brew (Chair) Principal Craig Turnbull Nominated by the Lieutenant-Governor of Isle of Sheriff Principal of and Strathkelvin Man and appointed by the Secretary of State Graham Crerar 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 Rob Woodward Alison Di Rollo QC Appointed by the Department for Transport Solicitor General of Scotland Elaine Wilkinson Sheriff Principal Ian R Abercrombie QC Appointed by Transport Scotland Sheriff Principal of South Strathclyde, Councillor Frank Ross The Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Edinburgh Sheriff Principal Marysia Lewis Sheriff Principal of Tayside, Central and Fife Councillor Eva Bolander 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 Councillor Len Scoullar Sheriff Principal of Lothian and Borders Provost of the Council of

“In Salutem Omnium” For the Safety of All

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

CHAIR’S MESSAGE Mike Brew

took over as Chair from On behalf of the Board I am very and Environment Committee, the Graham Crerar in April this year, grateful to those many colleagues Navigation Committee and the I having been a Commissioner for who have “gone the extra mile” to Heritage Trust. six years and Vice-Chair for the last ensure that where at all possible two years. normal business is maintained. My The Isle of Man is a Crown challenge is to see NLB build on Dependency and has never been Among the many issues covered by this progress, to make sure that we part of the UK. It has responsibility the Board of Commissioners during continue to provide a world-class for all aspects of its internal Graham’s two years in the role, were AtoN service to all our stakeholders, governance and operations and it the completion of the Fleet Review, particularly seafarers. intrigued me that the construction the implementation of the and maintenance of the Island’s five Organisational Review and the As ever there is no shortage of chal- major lighthouses and two buoys related changes to Programme and lenges facing the NLB. The was the responsibility of NLB and Project Management. These were Navigation Committee has begun funded via the General Lighthouse significant issues by any measure the 5-yearly AtoN review that after Fund. NLB’s records show that in and under Graham they were extensive consultation with stake- 1813, after pressure from Liverpool progressed successfully so that I find holders will be completed next year. shipowners, who were concerned at myself in the Chair at a time when The final year of the current 5-year the lack of AtoNs around the Isle of NLB is well set to address continuing RPI-X budget framework is 2020/21 Man, the government there challenges. For instance, changes in and consideration has started on tendered for a lighthouse service technology, environmental concerns, what might replace it. And the and NLB, with a good sense of cyber security and the inevitable project team for POLE STAR’S Scottish business acumen, was budget pressures. With the replacement has been appointed. significantly more competitive than development of modern satellite . The rest, as they say is and electronic navigation systems From living in the Isle of Man, my history! By 1818 there were and their wide-spread use at sea, the early career in the Merchant Navy designed lighthouses on role of physical Aids to Navigation and subsequently as a Harbour the Calf of Man and at the Point of (AtoN) has changed. But they still Master I have always been well Ayre, marking the South and North provide spatial awareness and are an aware of the value of lighthouses of the Island. invaluable back-up should problems and other AtoNs. I was therefore occur, such as equipment failure or, delighted to attend one of the early My hope is that the efficiency and more worringly, the satellite signal is meetings of the Scottish Users effectiveness that NLB has shown in jammed. Consultative Group when I was the the past, can be built-on to face the Isle of Man’s Director of Harbours. challenges of the future. No progress would be made on Attendance at subsequent SUCG these or any other matters if it was meetings gave me a much greater not for the professionalism, appreciation of the NLB and dedication and commitment of our encouraged me to apply for the staff and executive. The scale of Isle of Man Commissioner’s post in organisational changes, new roles 2013. Since then it has been a great and responsibilities and the difficulty privilege and pleasure to serve on MIKE BREW of recruiting in some areas have the Board of Commissioners, the proved to be particularly challenging. Managing Board, the Health Safety

3 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2019

Health, Safety and Environmental Update

Billy Byrne, HS&E Manager

e welcomed our new HS&E Advisor, Anne James, to WNLB in February. Anne previously held HS&E positions with the NHS and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. We wish Anne all the best in her new role.

We were very grateful to former NLB employee, Peter Fleming, who came out of retirement for three months to support the team while we recruited for the new HS&E Advisor post. Peter completed a number of projects which helped to clear a backlog and we’d like to say a massive thank you to Peter for the excellent work he carried out during his return.

DEFIBRILLATORS

In 2017, NLB placed the defibrillator held at 84 George Street on to the training exercises in previous pilot boat and from there on to the public register defibrillator scheme. editions of the Journal and this one quayside and taken to hospital by The scheme is run by volunteers at is no exception. However, imagine if ambulance where professional St John and the City Defibrillator you actually did have to try and save treatment was administered. Project. All defibrillators on the someone’s life for real! Defibrillators have been available to scheme are registered with the all NLB staff since 2017 and should Scottish Ambulance Service which The crew on PHAROS did just that always be taken when working in means 999 call handlers can direct and all can be immensely proud. remote locations. anyone responding to a cardiac The use of a defibrillator, again in arrest to their nearest accessible February 2019, was needed for a crew defibrillator. member on board PHAROS when EMERGENCY CASUALTY RESCUE the ship was in Leith. In February 2019, a 999 call was Just before the Winter Journal went placed by a member of the public. The crew member’s life was to press, NLB technicians took part This resulted in the caller, from saved that day by the first in another successful joint emergency a nearby large department store, casualty rescue training exercise at being directed to the defibrillator we responder’s swift treatment, the Ardnamurchan with HM hold at no 84. We received another use of a defibrillator and the Coastguard. HM Coastguard was request to use the defibrillator in professionalism demonstrated represented by 23 members from June. Someone suffering a cardiac by all crew involved. They are their rescue teams who gave up arrest is not good news, however their evenings and travelled a long comfort can be taken knowing that all to be commended for their way to participate and practice NLB was able to offer assistance and actions. casualty rescue from a lighthouse. contribute to saving a life. Our appreciation and thanks go to The crew member was successfully all at HM Coastguard. It’s reassuring I have written about casualty rescue transported from PHAROS, to a to know that if an NLB employee

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

1 2 2 3 3

2 4

3 3 sustained a serious injury at a Before any work was allowed to In any organisation a positive lighthouse, HM Coastguard would start, Norman Macdonald and safety culture is always be able to provide expert rescue James Campbell briefed the crew on services, if needed. their roles, the hazards involved and difficult to achieve if there isn’t measures to mitigate them. top level management HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES commitment and support. I am Further briefings were cascaded pleased to say that NLB has NLB carries out a number of to the crew by Alasdair Gordon, an extremely positive safety hazardous activities. The dangers with safety being the number one of which might not always be at priority. culture, and HS&E matters are the forefront of someone’s mind if given the highest level of they’re not dealing with them on a We also witnessed good levels of priority by all Managers, regular basis. HS&E ownership on POLE STAR. Masters/Officers, Directors and Calum MacAulay had been seeking When sailing with PHAROS recently, improvements in PPE and in the Chief Executive. we observed a number of higher risk particular the type of gloves that are occupational hazards that the crew issued for working with wet As part of this commitment to have to deal with daily. material. More suitable gloves demonstrate visible safety were sourced and early indications leadership, Phil Day, Director of These included, having a ship on the are that the crew are experiencing Operations, spent time with our ocean, engine rooms, mechanical increased levels of comfort and and Technicians - and electrical installations, industrial warmth. Bonar Barclay, David Jamieson, catering and kitchen work, steep Stuart Flett and Rob Ionides. They stairs, lifting and lowering materials/ At the HS&E committee meeting, took the opportunity to visit local work boats, helicopter operations Alisdair Graham, Eoin Callan and lights and discuss specific HS&E (heli-ops) with underslung loads and Dave Thomson were pushing for matters. storing operations involving water better standards in all areas, and diesel being pumped into the including the environment. Waste is lighthouse. now being segregated for recycling onboard the ships and cardboard At the time I was there, the crew compactors have been ordered were involved with heli-ops work. for POLE STAR and our Oban base.

Fire fighters from the ship’s crew who were present as Having seen both ships, Technicians part of the and office locations recently, it is team for clear to me that all NLB employees heli-ops, are committed to making a positive seemed health, safety and environmental happy contribution, which is great news for to be at the organisation. work!

5 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2019

Operations Update

Phil Day, Director of Operations

OLE STAR recently laid new buoyage in the North entrance Pto Oban. The seven new buoys delineate the Corran Ledge, as well as mark the extremity of navigable waters to the Kerrara side. This has substantially widened the marked entrance for leisure users and cruise ship tenders and helped deconflict their transit from larger vessels using the channel.

The buoys are fitted withsynchronised lights (the first large scale use by NLB) and are part of improvements made in the Oban area in recent years. Working with local stakeholders and harbour operators, the revised voluntary code of conduct which recommended routes for leisure users and large vessel VHF announced departures and arrivals, have all added to the overall improved safety for the currently largely unregulated harbour.

Improvements continue on our estate and by the end of the financial year we had completed a significant number of projects. , , , and Kinnaird Head have all been reengineered with new light sources and brought up to current electrical and safety standards. We repainted Rhinns of and Cape Wrath along with four lights in the Oban area. Work at Stroma has been extended over two years. We replaced beacons at Cleit Rock and Grocis Sgeir.

Work has started on projects for the financial year 2019/20 and we have contractors on site at Eilean Glas The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse has undergone an extensive refurbishment and Ruvaal. Work at Head and the second phase of the work at Cape Wrath will start soon. being given to the development of The five yearly 2020 AtoN review is EGNOS maritime services and other also ongoing with final proposals for The GLAs have extended their International developments, before any changes to the NLB AtoN mix to review of the DGPS service. a final decision is made to either be made this autumn for a Following a successful user renew the system in 2025 or consultation over the winter and consultation, further consideration is discontinue it. final publication in May 2020.

6 More than Lighthouses – www.nlb.org.uk

POLE STAR REPLACEMENT To oversee the project governance OBAN BASE PROJECT and business case, we have appointed a Project Administration Manager. Our Oban base has been extremely We have started work on the POLE Experienced technical help is being busy this year and we have just STAR replacement project with provided through part-time about reached the 120000 GRT for initial setting up of the project secondment of staff to NLB. Later commercial ships alongside Oban, governance arrangments, starting stages of the project will involve the with 99000 GRT in February alone. the business case process and procurement of Naval Architect and establishing the initial vessel ship design services. The increase is mainly due to the requirements. link span replacement and to Calmac The replacement vessel is likely to Ferries refurbishing one of their own These three pieces of work provide be a bit bigger than POLE STAR but berths. the sound foundations for delivering still very much a vessel focussed on a replacement vessel in summer buoy work. LISW 2019 2024. The current vessel is suffering from And lastly, a reminder that PHAROS The initial stages have been significant obsolescence issues with will be alongside HMS Belfast from approved via the coporate plan unsupported engines (the only ship 9 to 13 September for approval process but the business in the world with this type) and International Shipping week. case will have to set out, in electric drives which have limited Showcasing not only NLB but also accordance with HM Treasury green spare part availability and very the Scottish and Isle of Man book rules, clear grounds to support limited service engineer help Maritime industry, the vessel will the financing of the project. available. host a number of events and meetings throughout the week.

7 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2019

Business Services Update

Mairi Rae, Director of Business Services

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2018/2019 Draft Results Year to 31 March 2019 e are coming to the end of a major piece of work Sanction Actual Variance Wregarding the implementation of three new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The £000’s £000’s £000’s GLF accountant is providing cross GLA guidance and has been liaising with the National Audit Office on our Running Costs 17,225 16,104 1,121 approach to the implementation, particularly in relation to IFRS16 Other Costs 2,452 2,275 177 on leases. It is anticipated that the implementation of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 15 Revenue Capital Expenditure 3,923 3,655 268 Recognition will have minimal impact on NLB’s accounts. Sanctioned Costs 23,600 22,034 1,566 IFRS 16 Leases requires each reporting entity to value the Inter- GLA Expenditure 7 2 5 ‘off-balance sheet’ right of use asset and liability, previously reported as operating leases, and hold this value Total Net Expenditure 23,607 22,036 1,571 on the statement of financial position at each year end. This GENERAL LIGHTHOUSE FUND requires a high level of knowledge 2018/19. of the wording in lease documents and includes a level of subjectivity in Total Light Dues income for the the understanding of what the lease full year was £85.04m up 1.7% on represents. The tri-GLA helicopter 2017/18 income (£83.59m). Income lease will now appear in each GLA’s from Scotland and IOM increased accounts rather than NLB and GLF from £5.95m (7.1% of Light Dues On 4 February 2019, the accounts. collected in UK and Ireland) to Department for Transport £6.34m in 2018/19 (7.45%). General Our financial results for 2018/19 have announced it planned to Cargo and Containers Light Dues been reported to the Department for were down slightly with all other freeze UK Light Dues for Transport and we are now finalising categories showing modest 2019/20 at 37 ½p per net the annual report in preparations increases. for the National Audit Office audit in registered tonne. This means July. Light Dues can also be measured in that light dues have fallen by terms of chargeable tonnage as this 28% in real terms since 2010. The unaudited results are close to can provide a clearer representation our sanction reflecting the of underlying trends and does not improvements made in our need to be adjusted for rate changes. Programme and Project Management. At the end of March cumulative total The one area where costs differed tonnage was up 1.7%, with the UK substantially from our sanction was up 1.3% and IRL up 8.2%. pay costs, where during the year we had a high number of vacancies and The GLF fund stood at £53.06m as at gapped posts, resulting in an under- 31 March 2019 up 2.9% on prior year. spend of c£1m.

8 More than Lighthouses – www.nlb.org.uk

The tri-GLA helicopter lease will now appear in each GLA’s accounts.

MTD – MAKING TAX DIGITAL PROCUREMENT

HMRC’s ambition is to become one NLB now operates a cloud-based NLB LIGHTHOUSE of the most digitally advanced tax eProcurement system which fully administrations in the world. Making meets the requirements of new CALENDAR 2020 Tax Digital is making fundamental Procurement regulations introduced changes to the way the tax system late 2018. This system provides a The official NLB Lighthouse works – transforming tax administra- streamlined process for both potential tion so that it is: suppliers and NLB personnel, easing Calendar will be on sale from administrative burden. Internal users the end of August and will • more effective are now completing the evaluation be available to buy from our • more efficient process electronically and all • easier for taxpayers to get their communications are stored within online shop tax right the system saving the procurement www.nlb.org.uk/shop team from manually saving all VAT registered businesses with correspondence on SharePoint and a taxable turnover above the VAT reducing paper use. Suppliers may The calendar will feature threshold are required to use the access the system via the ‘Supplying 12 wonderful images of our MTD service to keep records digital- NLB’ link on our website. lights including this one of ly and use HMRC approved software to submit their VAT returns from 1 Stoer Head. April 2019. NLB has subsequently ICT UPDATE been notified that their MTD go live date has been deferred to 1 Octo- The ICT team are now signed up to ber 2019 which allows more time to “The National Cyber Security validate our process. Centre”. This is a government alert and sharing centre for cyber alerts MANAGEMENT INFORMATION and cyber related crime. SYSTEMS REPLACEMENT The team have attended several We are reaching the end of our workshops and training sessions contracts for our Finance and Payroll and online staff training on cyber systems so meetings have taken security has been initiated for all place with users and stakeholders staff. Feedback from staff has of both systems in order to scope indicated how useful this is for both Stoer Head Lighthouse. Photo credit and define the system requirements. their home and work online activities. Lewis Matheson The project is now underway using For more information out the standard NLB project initiation www.cyberaware.gov.uk protocols.

9 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2019

Healthy Living Award

Congratulations to POLE STAR and PHAROS Caterers for holding onto the Healthy Living award for over 10 years and being awarded the coveted long-term award for their achievements. Chief Caterers Cathryn Moir and Ned Kelly were at a special event in Glasgow to pick up the awards from Scotland’s National Chef and MasterChef Winner, Gary Maclean.

Ned Kelly explains the background to the award.

ack in the day, when Healthy Living awards were relatively Bunknown, NLB gave me the opportunity to investigate and pursue this prestigious award for both ships.

This involved going through rigorous inspections and assessments by Healthy Living Scotland and it was only with the huge enthusiasm and input from the catering teams at the time that we achieved the award. So, having opened the food gates to Both ships have now maintained the healthy eating all those years ago, award for over 10 years and were healthy and nutritional foods remain the first ships to receive a ‘Highly top of the menu. Of course, it’s up to Commended’. individuals what they choose to eat but as an organisation and as In February this year, we were caterers we’re making sure that extremely proud to pick up special we offer our staff a wide choice long-service awards for both ships of healthy foods. We also need to from Healthy Living Scotland, in ensure that we are catering for all recognition of the catering team’s dietary requirements including those commitment and dedication to the with food allergies, vegans, well-being of the crew. vegetarians, and pescatarians.

“It has long been recognised that caterers play an important role in influencing what we eat, and it is important to recognise and reward those who are making it easier for us to eat more healthily. The Healthy Living award aims to achieve this.”

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

Ned’s Healthy Eating Recipes

Vegetable Soup Frozen Mango Banana Mousse The Healthy Living Award (HLA) is a national award Serves 6 Serves 4 for the catering sector in Scotland and is delivered by 1 tsp vegetable oil 2 large ripe mangoes 1 large leek, chopped into small 1 ripe banana NHS Health Scotland. The discs 1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese HLA works with food service 1/2 small turnip, cubed or grated 1/3 cup skimmed milk outlets across Scotland to 2 carrots, cubed or grated 1 tsp pure vanilla extract promote healthy eating. It 100g red lentils has been designed as a way 1 litre of vegetable stock Peel mangoes and banana: cut each of meeting the growing Handful of chopped parsley into 6 pieces. consumer demand for Freshly ground black pepper to taste Place fruit in a heavy plastic bag: healthier food whilst seal tightly. giving caterers recognition Heat the oil in a large pot. Freeze at least 6 hours or until solidly Add the leeks and cook gently for a frozen. for good practice. few minutes. Break pieces apart; put them into the Add the carrots, turnip and washed bowl of a food processor with a steel The award has two main lentils and cook for a further 3 blade. goals: firstly, to make food minutes. Add remaining ingredients served generally healthier Add the stock and half the parsley, Process, occasionally scraping by making broad changes to cover and simmer gently for 30 frozen parts into softened mixture how food is prepared; minutes. with a spatula, until mousse is secondly, to encourage Use the hand blender if you like a smooth and creamy. promotion and marketing smooth soup - short pulses if you activity that supports and just want to thicken it. Serve immediately. Add the remaining parsley and encourages healthy eating. freshly ground pepper to taste.

Serve with wholemeal crusty bread.

Lighthouse Coffee Mornings

Join former NLB colleagues on the SECOND FRIDAY of each month for coffee and a catch up.

We meet at 10.30am in the Undercroft Cafe, of St Andrews & St Georges West Church, George Street, Edinburgh.

The Coffee Mornings provide a contact point for former and current NLB employees (and close associates) to come together for fellowship and conversation. And, of course, to put the NLB service and the world to rights.

The coffee, tea and cakes are excellent and very reasonably priced and those who come along to join in the chat and to reminiscence, very much enjoy themselves!

So do come and join us for this informal and relaxed gathering.

11 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2019

Long Service and Special Recognition Awards

In March we celebrated our staff’s achievements and their long-service to NLB at the Surgeon’s Hall in Edinburgh. Our former Chair, Graham Crerar, presented the awards.

Martin Wright

Special recognition awards went to:

Martin Wright – for taking the initiative in creating a new Safety briefing induction video for NLV POLE STAR. The video is a great step forward which has received positive feedback from visitors.

Fiona Vick – for her work as STEM Ambassador encouraging the engineers of the future and raising the profile of NLB’s important role.

Gillian Burns – for her exceptional performance during a difficult period of staff shortage due to illness and retirement. She has willingly taken on considerable extra workload, including the training and mentoring of new Coastal inspectors, while maintaining a high quality of output. Fiona Vick Jim McBrier – for his outstanding contribution to the work of NLB. He has been fundamental to the successful implementation of the Organisational Review, NLB’s transition to a risk based approach to management and GDPR and has set the standard for other GLAs to follow.

Noemi Ocana – an ‘unsung hero’ of NLB who regularly goes ‘above and beyond’ her normal routine duties. For example, assisting with the development of the new shop and website. Her enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to take on extra tasks in a consistently friendly yet professional manner makes her an invaluable asset to NLB.

Karen Ross - for going ‘above and beyond’ in her work during a period of reduced staffing within the HS&E Team which ensured continuity of service delivered in an ever helpful, positive and efficient manner. Gillian Burns

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

Jim McBrier

Above: Special Recognition Award Winners and below our Long-Service Awardees

Noemi Ocana

Karen Ross

See over the page for more photos from the evening.

Ned Kelly for 25 years’ service Colin Morrison for 30 years’ service Craig Pake for 20 years’ service

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Lorna Fraser for 20 years’ service Kenny Irving for 25 years’ service Simon Tyler for 20 years’ service

James Campbell for 25 years’ service Lorina Owens for 20 years’ service Sean Rathbone for 25 years’ service

Peter Douglas for 25 years’ service Donald Cameron for 25 years’ service We were delighted to welcome family, friends and colleagues to the celebrations.

14 More than Lighthouses – www.nlb.org.uk

Our Long-Service awardees have clocked up a massive 260 years between them!

This year, special awards went to our Deck Rating Apprentices, Jordan and Lachlan for completing their apprenticeships and to Lynda McGuigan, Manager of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses for her dedication in supporting our lighthouse heritage and history.

Left: Lewis Thomas and Jordan Wilson

Right: Lynda McGuigan

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Heritage Trust Update

Alastair Beveridge, Chairman of the Heritage Trust

t’s a pleasure to be able to report MUSEUM OF SCOTTISH SCOTTISH AND MANX on another busy period for the LIGHTHOUSES LIGHTHOUSES ITrust. Our investment portfolio continues to show reasonable We continue to support the work of The second print in hardback of Ian growth despite the current market the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses Cowie’s book Scottish and Manx uncertainty to allow sufficient funds at Kinnaird Head. Lighthouses has been available for to be made available for a number some time now and sales are picking of projects relating to NLB’s history Of particular interest are two flags up as we extend our search for and culture. portraying the . suitable outlets. Recent contact with The flags were presented to NLB by various organisations having retail Over the past six months these have Jane Stevenson in 1820, almost 200 outlets such as Historic Scotland, included: years ago, and are of huge Scottish Museums and Calmac importance when telling the story of will hopefully increase the books MULL OF GALLOWAY EXPERIENCE the Bell Rock, the Stevensons exposure to the public and generate greatest feat of engineering. further sales. Providing a donation to the Mull of Galloway Experience towards the Going by the dates of the Bell Rock’s of a further Kelvin K2 completion and the donation of the ORAL HISTORY PROJECT engine and coupled Alley McLelland flags to NLB by Jane, it seems to air compressor which have not been have taken her some nine years The third and final phase of the oral used for 30 years. This work is now work to complete them. Due to age, history project has stalled slightly completed and the is in full and the way they had been due to the researcher moving on working condition once again. displayed in the past, both flags to other projects. However, we are need to be cleaned and repaired confident of finding a replacement before they can go back out on and seeing this project through to BREASCLETE COMMUNITY display. We hope to have photo- completion. ASSOCIATION graphs of the restored flags in the next edition of the Journal. Meanwhile, you can listen to one of Continuing our dialogue with the oral transcripts on the Heritage Breasclete Community Association section of the NLB website (Urras an Taighe Mhoir) to help ARCHIVES www.nlb.org.uk/hertage-trust them establish their Flannan Isles museum in the former Lighthouse I’m particularly pleased to report Keepers accommodation which the that we have finally found a practical CHAIR RESTORATION PROJECT trust are now in the final stages of solution to storing the archive purchasing. records held by the Trust. We now The restoration of chairs at NLB HQ have a link on the NLB website to is now under way and the first ones an area specifically tailored to the have been restored and upholstered GAIRLOCH HERITAGE MUSEUM needs of the Trust. We have start- in Scottish tweed. ed to add content to the various We are also in close contact with the sections, including the oral history Suitable leather has been sourced Gairloch Heritage Museum who are project. However, it will take time to for the boardroom chairs and the custodians of the original Rubh Re add everything as we have such a first group is with the restorer. lighthouse lens. The lens has now large volume of material on this been relocated to their new building important project! This is a big project but the Trustees and we expect to be discussing ways consider it important to preserve all in which we can continue to support parts of our heritage including items the work of the museum. we use on a daily basis.

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Book Review

Archie’s Lights by Archie and Anne MacEachern Published by Whittles Publishing Reviewed by Mike Bullock, Chief Executive

One of our restored chairs

TRUSTEES UPDATE

Finally, there have been a number of changes to the Trustees. Lesley Brydon and Barri Millar have resigned and Mike Brew stood down as he takes on the role of Chair of the Board of Commissioners. I would like to thank them for all their invaluable support and contributions to the Trust.

Joining us are Trish Donaldson and Sean Rathbone and I’m delighted to see such strong representation from NLB staff.

Also joining are Commissioners Hugh Shaw and Alison Di Rollo who I know are both looking forward to the challenge!

We must of course keep a balance of backgrounds and skills amongst the Trustees If you want to know (or be reminded The book is littered with fascinating of) what it was like to be a Scottish anecdotes and details that are and as such we are actively Lightkeeper in the twentieth unlikely to be recorded elsewhere. seeking new faces from century this is the book for you. For example, the Master of outside the NLB family who HESPERUS shooting his own funnel Archie MacEchern who was born with a machine gun, salted fish skin can add their own unique into a lighthouse dynasty (his father in the coffee to give it flavour and experiences to the mix! and grandfather were both rescuing a monkey who went on to Lightkeepers) tells the story of his join the ship’s crew! career with NLB which spanned an amazing 66 years. Many characters feature but my favourite is Bob the Collie dog who Not only is the daily routine of a lived with the Keepers at Barra keeper brought vividly to life but so Head, he lies there still and I’ll make are the remote communities that a point of paying my respects next generously welcomed Lighthouse time I’m out there. We owe much to families into their midsts. Archie’s wife Anne for sharing this important story.

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Scotland’s Outstanding Lighthouses

Mike Spain, Business Support Manager

In line with NLB’s Strategic Focus to support the economic development of Scotland and Isle of Man, NLB is developing the “Scotland’s Outstanding Lighthouses” initiative to promote tourism and interest in our unique heritage.

LISW 2019 consistent brand will link We hope to launch the SOL NLB’s existing publicly initiative at London London International Shipping Week Aaccessible lighthouses to key (LISW) is held every two years and lighthouse related visitor attractions, International Shipping Week provides the opportunity for the including the Museum of Scottish to coincide with Scotland’s UK, as a leading maritime nation, to Lighthouses. The aim is to drive demonstrate the depth and breadth domestic and international tourism to Year of Coasts and Waters of the capability, expertise and skills Scottish coastal and island 2020. available to a global audience. communities, supporting local tourism industries and employment This year PHAROS will be berthed in coastal communities. SCOTLAND’S YEAR OF COASTS alongside HMS BELFAST on the AND WATERS Thames, just upstream of Tower Access to NLB lighthouses is Bridge in the heart of London from facilitated by local community trusts 2020 has been designated Scotland’s Monday 9th to Friday 13th and Scottish Natural Heritage. This Year of Coasts and Waters, a year September. initiative will directly promote that will spotlight, celebrate and interest in visiting and supporting promote opportunities to experience PHAROS will provide a prestigious the community facilities and support and enjoy Scotland’s unrivalled venue for hosting a number of high the work of SNH. Coasts and Waters, encouraging profile events focusing on the responsible engagement and Scottish and Manx Maritime Our website will direct visitors to participation from the people of industries, safety at sea, the information on each of the partner Scotland and our visitors. The environment, education and a locations. New partners will be initiative is led by VisitScotland. flagship careers event. added as the initiative grows to www.visitscotland.com/about/ provide full details of where visitors themed-years/coasts-waters/ The vessel’s presence in the Thames to Scotland can enjoy our lighthouse will also give an opportunity to heritage. showcase the work of the General Lighthouse Authorities and NLB in particular.

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EVENTS FOR FORMER STAFF / PENSIONERS WOULD YOU LIKE US TO CONTACT YOU?

With the introduction of the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and changes to the way we are required to hold your information, we can no longer contact you to tell you about events unless we have your permission to do so.

If you ARE HAPPY for us to keep your address details on file and to contact you, please let us know by writing to us or emailing us.

Write to us at: 84 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DA Email us at: [email protected]

If we don’t hear from you, we won’t be able to keep in touch.

PENSION QUERIES

If you’ve left NLB and have a query about your pension, please contact Civil Service Pensions directly by calling 0300 123 6666. You might find the website can answer most questions: www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/members/

Historic Portolan

Last year we were contacted by vessel Captain Fraser was Master of Trevor Boult, a former Second when he drew the portolan images. Officer with NLB. Trevor had been loaned a wonderful hand written and Thank you to Trevor for bringing the drawn Portolan whch he wanted to Portolan to our attention and to Mrs share with us. Lorraine Stewart, Captain Fraser’s niece, for allowing us to reproduce The Portolan was the work of these images. Captain Magnus Fraser, a former NLB Master and made during his spells of duty on an earlier generation ‘PHAROS’. Trevor took the photo below of PHAROS in Leith when he was a youth. This was the

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That First Lighthouse Visit

Working for NLB gives you a fantastic opportunity to visit some of the most remote and beautiful places in Scotland and the Isle of Man and all staff, at some point, get the chance to visit a lighthouse.

For Stuart MacBrayne, Deck Rating Apprentice, on Pharos and Joe Hothersall, our new Mechanical Engineer, Hyskeir was their first lighthouse.

Stuart had only just completed his helicopter underwater escape train- ing (which is needed to fly in the helicopter), the week before visiting Hyskeir. Joe joined Stuart on Pharos and the pair were flown by helicop- ter to Hyskeir.

Their visit was timely as technicians We all remember the first lighthouse we visited. The Colin Dingwall, Stuart Flett and Barry Gannon were carrying out mainte- remarkable engineering and craftsmanship that went into nance work at the lighthouse and building Hyskeir, which is reflected throughout the estate, were able to isolate the rotating light made this lighthouse an excellent first station for the guys to to ensure that Stuart and Joe had safe access to the light room. experience.

Luckily the weather was great at the time and they were able to take in the amazing views from the top.

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

ICE200 and the Bell Rock Lighthouse Celebrating the Institution of Civil Engineers 200th Anniversary with a filming trip to the Bell Rock Lighthouse John M Andrew, FICE, Institution of Civil Engineers

n 30 July 2018 a small team to present the expert knowledge for The film was published on the together with cameras and the film. ICE200 section of the website and is Ofilming kit assembled at available to view online at Harbour in preparation Supporting Jenny during the stop www.ice.org.uk to make a short documentary film start filming process was Fiona on the Bell Rock Lighthouse as part Holmes, NLB’s Communications Grateful thanks for making this of the Institution of Civil Engineers Officer and John Andrew FICE from unique opportunity to film at the Bell 200th Anniversary. ICE. Rock must go to NLB’s Chief Executive Mike Bullock; The Bell Rock Lighthouse had been Jenny presented the story and Communications Officer, Fiona selected as one of 200 projects that history of the lighthouse together Holmes; The Master and crew of celebrate the history of civil with the significant civil engineering POLE STAR and in particular engineering and the Institution of challenges that Robert Stevenson Civil Engineering Technician, Jenny Civil Engineers in the past 200 years and the builders encountered during Gilbertson for presenting so well on from around the world to be show- its construction. the film. cased on film. Other projects from Scotland included the Forth Bridges, The trip was a great success and Tay Bridges, Hydro Electric gave the team a small insight into Generation, Falkirk Wheel, Borders understanding the challenges Railway, Caledonian Canal, Rosyth experienced by Robert Stevenson in Dockyard and the Titan Crane at building the Bell Rock and the Clydebank. continuing activities required to maintain the light in full operation The significance of the Bell Rock by the Northern Lighthouse Board. Lighthouse, its place in the history of civil engineering, the key role played The Institution of Civil Engineers by Robert Stevenson in its design is hugely appreciative and have and construction and the many donated a copy of the film and the other lighthouses that followed this ICE200 anniversary book – Shaping The completed film includes success was certainly worthy of the World – to the NLB library. Jenny’s piece to camera together celebration. with archive images and details on the construction. On the day of filming the team were transferred by workboat to POLE STAR ready to sail the 11 nautical miles out to the Bell Rock. Once onboard we enjoyed the hospitality of the crew, including a hearty lunch, and almost perfect weather during the one hour passage out to the Bell Rock.

The ICE film crew, Ibrahim Janneh and Carl Jordon, set up the cameras to film from the foredeck with the Bell Rock as a magnificent backdrop, and placed Jenny Gilbertson, NLB’s Civil Engineer in front of the camera

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In my Grandfather and Father’s Footsteps In a previous Journal we featured Diane Kizik MacDonald’s book, ‘A Son of Shetland’. The book is a compilation of her father, James Stevenson’s stories of his life in Shetland where his father, also called James Stevenson served as a . In June last year, Diane, who lives in Canada made the long journey to Shetland to find out more about the place her father and grandfather loved.

Diane at Bressay Diane at Bressay

left Vancouver B.C. on 7 June 2018 gear changes, I drove to the Leisure my mother. A local retired merchant to make the long trip to Centre by the lovely Anderson High seaman recommended I walk at the I Sumburgh, via London and School. My father had gone to the coast in Setter instead of trying to Aberdeen. Although I was interested old Anderson Institute now also walk down to the Noss ferry. This in the several lighthouses around called High School, in a different was very good advice, and I had my Scotland where my grandfather location. packed lunch and most enjoyable served*, I focused on the Shetland ramble with a flock of sheep by the lights; , Bressay and BRESSAY water, to the ruin and old cemetery Muckle Flugga. at Cullingsburgh. I spotted oyster- On Tuesday I took the ferry to catchers and other birds along the Having survived the challenge of the Bressay and met with Hazel path. long journey, my next challenge was Anderson of the Bressay History picking up the rental car at the Group. Hazel was most helpful, and The following day I drove to the airport and discovering I would need found a date of ‘lighthouse children’ Amenity Trust office to meet Shona to use manual gear shift, and drive in the school records, of my father Fullerton. It was good to meet Shona on the ‘other’ side of the road. A and his little sister Mary. after being in contact with her from shaky process! B.C. She really encouraged me to My big thrill was seeing Bressay get up to and see the Muckle up close for the first Flugga light. The distance had just time. I had a good look around and looked too daunting. My first drive was to Sumburgh had hoped to go back later when the Head Lighthouse where I was artist in residence was there. MUCKLE FLUGGA delighted by its revitalization and information. Puffins, guillemots and Next I drove to see the Isle of Noss. It was a lovely, sunny day for my kittiwakes were spectacularly on The Nature information sign and journey to Muckle Flugga. I’d been view. view were of interest since my advised to take a road up to the RAF father stood at the same spot in 1974 Station. And there it was, my first The following day, still practicing car during his last visit to Shetland with view of .

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My delight was shared by an elderly gentleman who had been on the same road up, and after passing him, he followed. Hearing my story, he gamely joined me on my walk to get a better view of the light. I had planned to go around to Burrafirth the next day, but wanted to make sure I saw Muckle Flugga in case it was foggy at the coast.

Reading my father’s stories, I had thought Burrafirth was a town. Now seeing it the next day from the parking lot, it is the shore station for Muckle Flugga Lighthouse. An excellent board walk prevented Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. Photo credit Ian Cowe viewers from disturbing the birds, especially the Bonxies as mentioned by my father. It was a good hour walk to the coast. Along the way I joined two ladies and found out that we were all retired Physiotherapists. One had even trained at my school, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, in 1962. We hooted and hollered with excite- ment as we shared stories.

Esha Ness Lighthouse. Photo credit Ian Cowe Heading back to my car, I got I was surprised when I saw the another good view of Burrafirth Esha Ness light that it was square, shore station and could see its good, the first square lighthouse I had “Altogether this had sheltered harbour. It was now a seen. been a most wonderful Visitor Centre but unfortunately closed on the day I visited. On On my last day I went over to adventure and a total closer look at the sign for the Nature Bressay again, drove around the delight to follow in my reserve, I could see where the Signal north end and had a good view of Hill ruin was, where my father had on my way back to the ferry; father and grandfather’s explained semaphore communication, said fairwell to the hotel staff who footsteps on Shetland, between the keepers on the light had all been very helpful and kind; and the shore station, took place. Of and headed down to Sumburgh for especially seeing the course now there is a helicopter pad my flight home. The Loganair plane and much safer connection to the with its tail took me to three lights where my Muckle Flugga light. Aberdeen where I changed for a grandfather was flight to London and from London to I spent the next few days exploring Vancouver and finally home to Port Principal Light Keeper.” Lerwick’s interesting Commercial Moody B.C. Street and the lanes; a cruise ship was in and I chatted with some passengers in town; drove over to * Sanda 1895; Chicken Rock 1898; East and West Burra, and had a stop 1905; Relief on Bell at lovely Main Beach. A wrong turn Rock; 1908; Bressay 1913; on my way to the Esha Ness Light, Muckle Flugga 1919; Sumburgh had me arrive at the Oil Head 1920; Copinsay 1923; Killantrigan Terminal but it ended up giving me 1925; 1927. a more interesting chance to learn of the oil discovery off Shetland.

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News from the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses

Lynda McGuigan, Museum Manager

The last few months have been very busy here at the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses as we move forward with various plans and projects we set last year.

ur most exciting project over We now intend to build the lens the last few months has been once some conservation work has Othe acquisition of the been carried out and we are grateful North Lens which was the first ever to Peter Fleming for coming up with hyper-radial lens to be installed in a work plan for us. a Scottish lighthouse. It was first brought to our attention that this On the same trip to Shetland we also historic lens, which had been first brought several other items into the placed in the tower in 1892 and collection including a removed in 1980, had been stored in fluxmeter and a sealed beam unit boxes in an outside area in Lerwick from Bressay, the lens from Out for some 38 years. Skerries/Buchan Ness, and a lathe from Fair Isle South which was Brian Johnson who had alerted us heading for the scrapyard. to it had made efforts to care for the Other new acquisitions were lens before its transfer. We made the donated to the museum by former journey to Shetland and negotiated helicopter pilot Calum Falconer who the transfer of the lens into our had saved the items during the nationally significant collection. automation process.

Once the documentation was Items included an electric bell complete we organised the trans- system, a weather vane from Noup portation of the lens to Fraserburgh Head and a model of by Shetland Transport. On arrival at made from wood collected from Fraserburgh we had an interesting the old Monachs lighthouse on the time working out how to get the Isles of Shillay. We are very grateful We were recently approached by lens into the museum, a lengthy job to Calum for the donation of these Fraserburgh’s local Parkinson’s which was carried out safely with a important items to the national support group who requested that little help from our friends. collection. we joined in the national event to raise awareness of the disease. We are busy with lots of other things Nationally many buildings were lit in here in Fraserburgh, currently the blue and so we were happy to take Castle is being painted by Historic part in the event and we used a blue Environment Scotland. Not an easy LED floodlight to illuminate the lens job to do but it will look fantastic and the result was quite spectacular. when complete but for now we have a half painted castle! It has been 10 Supporting local charities and years since it was last painted so we community work is something that are delighted to see that happening we are very passionate about here at now. the museum.

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Lonely Skerryvore Tall Tale 2 Save the date! By Sydney T. Scott On 29 and 30 May 2020 plans are afoot to celebrate 25 years since the opening of the Shipwrecks, sunshine and some showers Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and we Sadly, not too many flowers hope to have a big celebration. Solar Panels, ships and seals Sometimes there are fishers’ creels. We would like to invite as many ex-keepers and NLB staff to the event as possible. If Kettles whistling on the stoves you would like to join us to see the light at Keepers buttering new baked loaves Kinnaird Head lit and manned for another Kelp washed up upon the rocks 24 hour session then get it into your diary Knitting and darning of the socks. now. Evenings merging into nights In the meantime, we are mounting three Engine turning for the lights new exhibitions including ‘Remembering Eating, sleeping then on call the Lightkeeper’, ‘’ and ‘Jane Every day I’ve seen it all. Whyte, Saving Lives at Sea’ so if you’re in our neck of the woods come and visit. We Rainbows shining out at sea would love to see you. Ripples on the waves I see Railings on the landing grate Ready for the welcome freight.

Reeling in the fishing line Rock cod, so that they can dine Running up the lighthouse stairs Reading, writing on their chairs.

Years have pass’ed, one by one Your work here is never done Yesteryear I’ll not forget Yearning - but with no regret.

Violent storms have battered me Vicious is the raging sea Valiant men have all been here Vowing that they have no fear.

Other people they arrive Oilskins so that they survive Officers with golden braid Over here and underpaid.

Ranging out o’er twenty miles Rotating lenses, flashing dials Remind me of the tasks I do Reliable and safe for you.

Every time the fog rolls in Each time the signal makes a din Image from the exhibition ‘Jane Eerie sounds are very rude Whyte, Saving Lives at Sea’. Ear defenders are no good.

Were you born on Erraid?

Sydney Scott is compiling a list of people born on Erraid. If you’re an Erradian and would like to help Sydney with his research, please email him - [email protected]

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Scapa 100 - centenary of the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet

PHAROS and POLE STAR took part in events to commemorate the centenary of the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet in , Orkney in June.

“We were honoured that PHAROS and POLE STAR participated in the commemorations to mark this historic and poignant event and delighted to be given the opportunity to reaffirm the already strong relationship between the Northern Lighthouse Board and the people of Orkney.” Mike Bullock, Chief Executive

A century ago, Admiral von Reuter was acting under the mistaken belief that peace talks had failed, when he gave the command to scuttle his fleet, to prevent the warships from falling into the hands of the British and Allied forces.

Without any warning and almost simultaneously these huge ves- sels began to list over to port or starboard; some heeled over and plunged headlong, their sterns lifted high out of the water. 50 of the ships went to the seabed.

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PHAROS and POLE STAR were part of the flotilla which gathered on Friday 21 June, to mark the moment when the vessels were scuttled and remember the German lives lost during the period of the internment and the scuttling of the vessels.

Yorck-Ludwig Von Reuter, grand- son of Admiral Von Reuter rang the bell of SMS Von Der Tann on board PHAROS as part of the Service of Commemoration above the wreck of SMS Dresden.

It remains one of the greatest losses of shipping ever recorded in a single day. In later years, many of the ships were brought to the surface again during one of the most remarkable salvage operations ever attempted at sea.

Those that remain – seven vessels in all - attract divers from worldwide and make Scapa Flow the premier wreck diving site in Europe.

Photography courtesy of Niki Wilson and Calum Macaulay

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First Light in the Hebrides

Peter Williamson, Travel Writer

230 years after light was first beamed out over the Minch, Peter Williamson delves into the history of the on Scalpay, the first to be built in the Hebrides.

’ve always been intrigued by the Northern Lighthouse Board Scalpay is a beautiful island in North lighthouses. They are unique elected to build a lighthouse on Harris, the largest in the group of Istructures often standing in Scalpay. This was the first lighthouse rocky outcrops that guard the small desolate and remote spots; tall to be built in the Hebrides (and only harbour of Tarbert. It’s great to see sentinels guarding our coastline and the fourth in Scotland) and the man that it has a thriving community warning fishermen and all seafarers in charge was the Board’s chief involved in fish farming, prawn about the potential dangers of engineer, . After initial fishing and tourism, and is home hidden shoals, rocky outcrops, cliffs groundworks by local labourers, to what I think must probably be and submerged reefs. Smith’s team completed the tower the best restaurant in the Outer and installed the lantern and lighting Hebrides: North Harbour Bistro. Such were the dangers in and gear and the light first shone out It’s hidden away in the back of the around the Hebrides that in 1787 across the sea on 10 October 1789. somewhat unprepossessing village

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shop but the seafood is outstanding, There is a shorter route, but it’s well Tarbert, safe in the knowledge that the service friendly and the sunset worth taking the longer option as ships are still being safely guided views over the bay to die for. you will be rewarded with fine views to harbour thanks to the pioneering of northern Skye and the Shiants, skills of the engineers and stalwart I love the walking here, too, clearly visible across the Minch. The efforts of stonemasons all those particularly crossing the island from lighthouse is a great place to sit and years ago. the village to Eilean Glas, the small watch the sea, the only sound the peninsula on which the lighthouse crashing of the waves and screech- [Spoiler alert: lovers of BBC’s Call stands. After following the marker ing of the seagulls. The atmospheric the Midwife should keep a sharp eye posts past Loch an Duin, on which old buildings – the lighthouse open during this year’s Christmas can be seen the remains of a small became automated in 1978 – are special which features scenes shot fort or dun, you head up over silent now and (thankfully) so is the at the lighthouse and other locations Beinn Scorabhaig and get your first foghorn. on .] glimpse sight of the 98ft lighthouse. Smith’s original construction was For most visitors to Harris, however, replaced in 1824 by engineer Robert the first view they will get of the Stevenson of the famous light- lighthouse is from the deck of house-building (and story-telling) Calmac’s MV Hebrides as it ploughs family and its striking red and white its way across the Minch from the tower is a delight to behold. Isle of Skye to Tarbert. It is a thrill to see it at any time of day, but I I’ve been on several occasions and was fortunate enough to capture it the paintwork is always kept in shrouded in the glorious colours of immaculate condition. a rainbow, as our ship approached

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Royal mission for PHAROS

PHAROS and her crew took on a mission with a difference in March when they uplifted the Queen’s former Rolls-Royce Phantom from The Royal Yacht Britannia and replaced it with a Series 1 1950’s Land Rover. The Rolls-Royce landed without a scratch!

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The whole procedure was a great example of teamwork and the adaptable skills of our people.

Photography courtesy of Ruth Armstrong

Pensioners visit Fingal

Former NLB staff including some of those who worked on Fingal when she was in service, had the opportunity to visit the ship in February and to marvel at the transformation from working to luxury hotel.

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Outreach - working with the community to inspire, engage and collaborate

BEAVERS VISIT TO POLE STAR

The 37th Ardchattan Argyll Beavers Scout Group visited POLE STAR in March. The group are currently studying lighthouses and harbours and it was great to give them the opportunity to go on board and meet the crew. The children were shown how life jackets work, how to operate the life-saving lights, and were able to sit in the Captain’s chair.

Fiona Vick, ESTF Technician with NLB and STEM ambassador said:

“I’m passionate about encouraging children into engineering. Opportunities like this where they can put into practice what they have been Pupils from North Walls Community School got the chance to visit learning in the group are High Lighthouse in March. Electrical/Electronic Technicians, Rob Ionides invaluable. The children and Stuart Flett along with RLK, Johnny Mowatt supported the visit and were very interested in how by all accounts managed the 24 excited children brilliantly! everything worked and put Captain Mike Smith’s knowledge In May, Asset Engineer, Charlie of the ship to the test.” MacDonald entertained the nursery school children at Pirniehall Primary in North Edinburgh. He engaged them with all things lighthouses and had fantastic feedback from the children and teacher following the visit.

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STEM AMBASSADOR IN THE WORLD MARINE AIDS TO SPOTLIGHT NAVIGATION DAY

Earlier this year, Fiona Vick featured What STEM Ambassador activity do On 1 July we joined lighthouse and in the Science Connects newsletter I have planned for the future? aids to navigation authorities around for STEM ambassadors in the West the world to mark the first ever of Scotland. I don’t have any planned at the World Marine Aids to Navigation moment but I am about to develop a Day, established to celebrate and Here’s Fiona’s interview which gives teachers resource for our company promote the role of marine aids to an insight into why Fiona loves website, which will include STEM navigation (AtoNs) and highlight the being a STEM ambassador. information and also where teachers importance of safety at sea. and groups can request a STEM talk Why did I decide to become a STEM or help. The body behind the day is IALA ambassador? (International Association of Marine What advice would I give to new Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse I became a STEM ambassador to STEM ambassadors? Authorities), of which we are an encourage the next generation of active member. It is a non-profit engineers and especially girls into It’s a learning curve and every STEM international technical association engineering careers. talk and activity is different. The established in 1957 to gather questions asked are always great together marine aids to navigation Which area of STEM am I most and takes you more into the activity authorities, manufacturers, passionate about? you’re doing with the kids. consultants and scientific and training institutes from all parts of Engineering. the world.

What is my favourite thing about We marked the occasion by placing being a STEM ambassador? this fetching green buoy outside 84 George Street. Seeing how interested the kids are in engineering and lighthouses, and #WorldMarineAtoNDay the amazing questions they ask.

Describe my favourite or most memorable activity

The best activity I’ve done was helping the cubs achieve their communications badge. I showed them the many different ways we communicate with lighthouses and buoys, and how technology has improved over the years to aid our work.

BILLY AND BELLA IN CONVERSATION

It’s just over 20 years since the last Lightkeeper at , of Scotland’s lighthouses was teamed up with award-winning automated. It’s also 20 years since author Bella Bathurst for a one-off The Lighthouse Stevensons, the event, at 84 George Street in May. book celebrating the achievements of the men who made them, was Thank you to Bella and Billy for published. To mark the genius of the making the event such a success Stevensons and the power of the and to everyone who came along. lights today, Billy Muir, Retained

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NLB at the Scottish Parliament

In June, we exhibited outside the Chamber at the Scottish Parliament and chatted with MSPs and Parliamentary staff about our vital safety service and the contribution we make to the economy.

Planning Engineer Craig Pake with Annabelle Ewing MSP.

We took over the space outside the Chamber for three days and it was a fantastic opportunity to raise our profile and to engage with MSPs.

Our display was described by some Parliamentary staff as the best one they’d seen!

On Wednesday evening we held a reception, sponsored by Tavish Scott MSP.

Tavish Scott with Commissioner Mike Brew, Chair of the Board of Commissioners.

Communications Officer, Fiona Holmes, with Tavish Scott MSP and far left with Ruth Davidson MSP.

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Michael Hayter Anne James Joe Hothersall Electrical Incorporated Engineer, Health Safety and Environment Mechanical Engineer, Edinburgh Edinburgh Advisor, Edinburgh

I was born in Dundee and grew up in I joined NLB in February. During Originally from Macclesfield, the small town of Monifieth. Buddon my first week I visited Girdleness Cheshire, I studied Aerospace Ness lighthouse is prominent in the and Scurdie Ness lighthouses, as Engineering at the University of Barry Buddon back drop to the beach well as a visit to PHAROS. More Southampton. I then went on to where I used to play as a youngster. recently I’ve been out to visit four work on oil production platforms It was very much the first lighthouse wonderful lighthouses on the Isle and drilling rigs in the I became aware of. of Man. for 18 months. I subsequently spent four years After leaving school, I completed Before moving to Scotland I working for the British Geological an electrical maintenance worked in biomedical and Surveys Marine Operations apprenticeship, before retraining clinical research in England. My Department in Edinburgh. Here I as an instrument mechanic/ interest in health and safety within designed, maintained and operated technician and securing employment the NHS led me to a number of subsea drilling equipment for in the pharmaceutical industry. Health, Safety and Environment scientific expeditions. These were Contract employment followed Advisor posts and Chartered researching a wide variety of areas in several industrial sectors, Membership of the Institution of including climate change, historic interspersed with permanent roles in Occupational Safety and Health ice sheets and microbiology. manufacturing, energy-from-waste (CMIOSH). and as an engineering surveyor/ This work gave me some great electrical engineer with Lloyds I have also worked within the experiences and I got to travel to Register visiting fixed and floating heritage sector, fire service and for some unique locations, including installations in the North Sea and charities. During this time I was spending several weeks operating North Caspian Sea. able to study and achieve an MSc a seabed drilling robot in the Continuous Professional in Occupational and Environmental middle of the Atlantic in water Development from distance learning Health and Safety Management. depths up to 4000m. In 2015 I enabled my knowledge base to stayed on PHAROS for two weeks expand and the academic attainment I’m very interested in environmental operating drilling equipment. I was that followed supported my issues and have gained my Practi- so impressed with the ship and employment in numerous electrical tioner Membership of the Institute NLB that I have wanted to work and instrument technician/engineer of Environmental Management and here ever since! roles. Assessment (PIEMA). Outside work I am a keen mountain Prior to joining NLB in June, I spent During my spare time I like to go biker and usually spend most of my the last 21 months contracted as a walking or cycling, but also enjoy weekends on a bike somewhere. Control and Instrument engineer singing in a choir and dancing, in I enjoy the great outdoors and at the UKAEA Culham Centre for particular ceilidh dancing, AKA exploring Scotland.My work with Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire, reeling! I occasionally volunteer for NLB has already taken me to some supporting a variety of research a charity that teaches P7 children beautiful and remote locations. projects. about safety in the home and their I have really enjoyed my first few Now working closer to home in community and I have completed weeks working here. Everyone has Kirkcaldy, I look forward to a better an RNIB course in guiding the been very friendly and helpful and work life balance spending time with visually impaired. I am also an I am looking forward to my future my grandchildren and finally getting active member on my local with NLB. around to completing a backlog of resident’s association, which can garden projects. bring its own challenges, some safety related.

35 Northern Lighthouse Board Journal Summer 2019

Obituary PROMOTIONS Graham Adamson Billy Morris appointed Maintenance Systems Manager Simon Ritson appointed Project Leader Lewis Thomas appointed Deck Rating Jordan Wilson appointed Deck Rating

It is with great sadness that I have Ian Simpson to report the passing of my friend RETIREMENTS Retained Lighthouse Keeper, Sanday and colleague Graham Adamson on Friday 28 June after a battle with Gordon Watson, Mechanical I joined NLB in January this year. cancer. Technician I have lived all my life in Sanday, Ewen Simpson, Electrical Orkney and was very pleased to see Graham was born on 30 December Engineer Technician the job advertised for a Retained 1963 and was brought up in his early years in the Isle of Man where his Lighthouse Keeper (RLK) for Start Point Lighthouse. father was a Lighthouse Keeper at LEAVERS Douglas Head. I have a full-time job as a stockman on a farm on the island where I’ve Christine Clyde, Commercial Graham was schooled in Port St Administrator worked for 38 years. Mary and always had a place in his I also work part-time for Scottish heart for the island despite being Angus MacDonald, Deck Rating and Southern Energy and the Scottish through and through. Coastguard, and I’m a volunteer DEATHS lifeguard at our local swimming He was a Hibs fan all his life and followed them with a passion often pool. I am loving the job with NLB. It is with sadness we have to visiting home and away games report the following deaths: whilst on leave or when the ship was in Leith. In 2010 he travelled to South John Lees, former Lighthouse Africa for the World Cup, something Keeper, on 24 November 2018 he talked about many times. Sarah Maclean, widow of John Ritchie Maclean, on 24 February Graham followed his father into the Northern Lighthouse Board, starting 2019. his career as Assistant Steward on Donald McGill, former Motorman, MV FINGAL in June 1993. on 18 March 2019.

On 30 September 1999, Graham was Robert Byers, former Lighthouse promoted to the post of Steward/ Keeper, on 19 April 2019. Chief Caterer working on PHAROS Alexander Storrie, former Officer and later on POLE STAR. He in Charge at Granton Depot, on transferred between the two ships 26 April 2019. over the years and retired due to illness from PHAROS in 2018. Helen Lumsden Wilson, widow of Alexander Naysmith Wilson, on The crew of POLE STAR and two of 6 May 2019. his closest friends from PHAROS Captain Haldane Swanson, former made it to Orkney to pay their Master, NLB Ships, on 14 May respects on his final journey. 2019. Graham will be greatly missed by all Jimmy Simpson, owner of the his shipmates past and present. He isle of Stroma, and zoned boat Start Point Lighthouse where Ian is always had a smile on his face and a provider, on 2 June 2019. the RLK. jovial manner about him and always Donald Michael, former did his best to make all visitors to the ship feel at home. Lighthouse Keeper, on 10 June 2019. Farewell my friend. Graham Adamson, former Chief Caterer, NLB Ships, on 28 June Sean Rathbone, Master on PHAROS 2019.

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.

Marine Base Support The Northern Lighthouse Board NLB Oban offers full marine base support facilities, including berthing is Certificated to:- services, ultra high pressure washing, paint spray booth, electrical and electronic testing and engineering support. • BSEN ISO 9001:2015

• Quality Management Standard

• International Safety Management Code (ISM Code)

• OHSAS 18001:2007

• BS ISO/IEC 27001:2013 More than Lighthouses • BS EN ISO 14001:2015 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