Scotland's lighthouse story comes to life in a new free exhibition at National Records of Scotland (NRS) in Edinburgh.
Maps, letters, memos and employment records are among the range of historical records on show.
The display features an 'impossible' lighthouse built on a tiny reef and the mystery of the Flannan Islands lightkeepers.
NRS archivist Jessica Evershed has created the exhibition. She said: “We’re celebrating the history of Scottish lighthouses using a range of historical records. Find out how and why they were built, what the job of a light keeper was like and what happened during wartime.
“Take a closer look at Bell Rock, Robert Stevenson's 'impossible' lighthouse. It's the world’s oldest working offshore lighthouse and came under attack three times in World War II. We also feature records documenting the disappearance of the three lightkeepers from the Flannan Isles in 1900.”
Northern Lighthouse Board Chief Executive Mike Bullock said: “The continuing story of the Northern Lighthouse Board is one of engineering triumph and dedicated service which has helped protect the lives of mariners in the waters of Scotland and the Isle of Man for well over two centuries. We are indebted to our friends at NRS for their preservation and care of NLB’s precious historical records for the nation and generations to come.”
The exhibition includes a letter from Flannan Isles lighthouse keeper Joseph Moore, which is on display for the first time. Joseph arrived on Eilean Mòr in the Flannan Islands on Boxing Day 1900 to find no trace of his colleagues. His letter recounts the “sad events” which had taken place.
In organising the exhibition NRS spoke to people with a connection to lighthouse keepers. Lesley Morgan’s uncle was the son of Joseph Moore. She said: “Joseph was deeply affected by the tragedy and he didn’t talk much about Flannan. He was convinced his colleagues had been swept away by a powerful wave. It is good to think that people will be able to see his letter in person and read his words. It’s a very moving letter.
“The design and building of lighthouses in such inhospitable environments is awe-inspiring. The exhibition will show what the amazing engineers created with their brave construction teams.”
For the Safety of All: Scotland’s Lighthouses runs as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe weekdays 9am-4pm. It will stay open until 25 September and it will also open on Saturday 26 September for Doors Open Day when General Register House will have a range of other activities for people to enjoy. Opening for this special event will be slightly later, with visitors welcomed from 10am-4pm.
