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DUNCANSBY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
Duncansby Head Lighthouse is one of over 200 lighthouses operated and maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board around the coastline of Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is situated at the end of the single-track road from John o' Groats.
The lighthouse was engineered by David A. and Charles Stevenson in 1924 and has a nominal range of 24 nautical miles. The light was automated in 1997.
With the automation of all Scottish lighthouses, the Northern Lighthouse Board has sold on a number of the former lightkeepers' cottages. These are now privately owned and operated as dwellings, holiday houses and even a luxury hotel.
Sadly, asbestos based construction materials have been identified in the former keepers’ accommodation at Duncansby Head making it inappropriate for alternative use; and the Board is now left with no alternative but to demolish the cottages.
The lighthouse, which is an important aid to navigation, will not be affected by this work.
It is intended that demolition works will commence on Monday 9th June 2003, and should last for approximately 6 weeks.
During this period it is likely that an increase in industrial traffic in and out of the site will be experienced. However, the site compound is being managed so that full and unhindered use can still be made of the turning circle and viewing point.
Notes to the Editor
1. The Northern Lighthouse Board operates under statute - the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 - and is the General Lighthouse Authority for Scotland and the Isle of Man.2. The Board currently operates: 201 Lighthouses, 131 Buoys, 41 Beacons, 4 Differential Global Positioning System Stations, 22 Radar Beacons and 12 Fog Signals.
3. The Northern Lighthouse Board is funded entirely from the General Lighthouse Fund, sourced by "Light Dues", a levy paid by shipping. The Board receives no direct funding from the Exchequer or taxpayer.
4. The other General Lighthouse Authorities are the Commissioners of Irish Lights (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) and Trinity House Lighthouse Service (England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar).
For further information, please contact:
Lorna Hunter, Information Officer
Tel 0131 473 3100