For the Safety of All: A Story of Scotland’s Lighthouses
£13.10£14.20 (-8%)
Lighthouses punctuate Scotland’s coastline – a stoic presence on the edge of the landscape. Since the earliest of these hardy structures were raised, they have been a lifeline for seafarers at the mercy of treacherous weather and uncertain navigation. Today over 100 of Scotland’s lighthouses are listed buildings.
The lighthouse is now one of many maritime resources which act ‘for the safety of all’. But we are still drawn to the solitary life of the keeper, the beauty of the lens of the lamp and the calm reassurance of a flashing light on a distant shore.
Donald S Murray explores Scotland’s lighthouses through history, storytelling and the voices of the lightkeepers. From ancient beacons to the work of the Stevensons and the Northern Lighthouse Board, and from wartime strife to automation and preservation, the lighthouses stand as a testament to the nation’s innate connection to the sea.
Published in partnership between Historic Environment Scotland and the Northern Lighthouse Board.
Read more
Additional information
| Publisher | Historic Environment Scotland (28 April 2022) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 176 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1849173273 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1849173278 |
| Dimensions | 20.5 x 1.5 x 25 cm |
by J McMIllan
This book is an outstanding work of art. Beautifully illustrated with superb photographs and historical drawings of lighthouses, it is at first difficult to draw the eye away from the visual impact of the book to its text. And therein lies a further delight. I can think of no one more suited to write such a book as Donald S Murray. Born and raised within the beam of the Butt of Lewis light, this book has been enriched by his intimate knowledge and understanding of the culture of the islands, their people, and the men who kept the lights burning for the safety of all. His meticulous research, shrewd observations, and the lyrical quality his work delivers a narrative that is a joy to read. For this book is not only about lighthouses. This is a story, not only of the determination, remarkable ingenuity, dedication, and character of the people who built and manned the lighthouses, but also about those who inhabit the island and mainland communities affected by them. And that means all of us for without the lights that have guided the ships to safety we would all be the poorer. It is a story of human endeavour and resilience that will appeal to a much wider readership than only those with a keen interest in maritime matters. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.