Press Releases - back to Press                           14 February 2006

Barns Ness Lighthouse, Dunbar, East Lothian

The historic Barns Ness Lighthouse in Dunbar, East Lothian, which has guided mariners for over a century, is being offered for sale on behalf of the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) by Smiths Gore, Edinburgh.

Built at the beginning of the 19th century by David A Stevenson, the tower stands at 121 feet high with 169 steps and is constructed of stone from Craigree (near Crammond) and Barnton quarries. Until July 1966, the lighthouse was manned by two lightkeepers, it then was reduced to one when the light was converted to semi-automatic operation. A sealed beam light replaced the old mantle and paraffin-operated light until Barns Ness became fully automated in 1986.

James Taylor, Chief executive of the NLB comments: “The decision to sell the lighthouse and its adjoining engine room was made by the NLB after a full review of UK lighthouses. This review included in depth consultations with the shipping, fishing and leisure industries, in addition to the government and other user groups. Thus, Barns Ness Lighthouse was made permanently redundant in October 2005.”

The lighthouse is expected to go on the market within the next month and offers are invited from both a residential and commercial viewpoint.

Niall Macalister Hall of Smiths Gore states: “This is a unique opportunity. Very few lighthouse towers come onto the market and we are expecting a huge level of interest. It could be bought by a variety of people - the sale includes the main tower and a former engine room, both of which lend themselves to a variety of uses, subject to obtaining the necessary consents. What better opportunity to purchase part of Scotland’s built heritage?”

Barns Ness is situated roughly 5 miles from Dunbar and just over a mile from the A1.

For further information or photographs contact:

Niall Macalister Hall on 0131 561 7111 or email niall.macalisterhall@smithsgore.co.uk