Chanonry History

History
Chanonry Lighthouse, originally a 'one-man station', is situated on the Black Isle, south of Rosemarkie, as the moray Firth narrows between Chanonry Point and Fort George.

The establishment of a light on Chanonry Point was first proposed in 1834 and again in 1837 by the Commissioners' Engineer, Alan Stevenson, but it was not until 1843 that the motion to erect such a lighthouse was approved by the Commissioners. In May 1843 the Commissioners made representations to Trinity House who duly approved the proposed seamark in July 1843.

The cost of building the lighthouse and lightkeepers' dwellings was £3,570 and the light was first exhibited on the night of 15 May 1846.

When the station was manned, the lightkeeper, in addition to his normal lightkeeping duties, was the "Observer" of Munlochy Shoal, Middle Bank East, Craigmee, Riff Bank East and Navitty Bank Lighted buoys.

The station was automated in 1984 and is now remotely monitored from the Northern Lighthouse Board’s offices in Edinburgh.

It should be noted that at some sites the Northern Lighthouse Board have sold some redundant buildings within the lighthouse complex and are not responsible for the maintenance of these building.

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