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New Balta Sound Lighthouse

On 1 February 2004 the Northern Lighthouse Board completed installation work at Balta Sound minor lighthouse (off Unst) and the light was returned to its normal range of 10 nautical miles white and 8 nautical miles red. The original brick and concrete structure, which required costly maintenance, was demolished in November and December 2003 and replaced by a temporary light during construction works. Due to the extreme weather conditions experienced at times during December and January it has proved impossible to complete the landscaping works and it is anticipated that this will be finished in the spring.

The work was carried out as part of an ongoing programme affecting Aids to Navigation in Scottish waters. The primary aim of this programme is to remove gas from installations due to the safety issues relating to the transportation, storage and usage of gas, this can be achieved by conversion to solar power. Secondly to meet Health and Safety requirements regarding safe access for maintenance has meant in some cases the Board have had to remove existing structures.

Although the Board received some local opposition against the removal of the original Balta Sound structure, the replacement aluminium lattice structure is now essentially maintenance free for long periods. Operated by solar power the light is more reliable, efficient and kinder on the environment. All this goes towards the Board’s commitment to continue to reduce the cost of Light Dues for the mariner, such efficiencies has meant that Light Dues were reduced in 2002 and have remained static for the last two years.

The Board do recognise the need to preserve Scotland’s heritage and it has, where it has been feasible, converted existing buildings to solar power so that examples of this style of old minor light have been retained around Scotland. In recognition of the local interest in the old structure the Board has offered the Shetland Amenity Trust the original cast iron lantern and copper dome from the Balta Sound structure - so that it can remain in Shetland to tell its story for years to come. Its final place of use will be agreed after discussion between Unst Community Council and Shetland Amenity Trust.