Threat to Eshaness lighthouse
SHETLAND Islands Council is set to oppose moves by the Northern Lighthouse Board to remove the light from the Eshaness lighthouse.
Built in 1929 on top of 6o metre high cliffs at Eshaness, the automated light has a range of 25 miles and guards over the north western approaches to Shetland.
The building itself is owned by Shetland Amenity Trust and is part of their lighthouse holidays venture.
Members of the council’s harbour board will discuss how to respond to the NLB proposal on Thursday.
The organisation regularly reviews the use of its lighthouses and other navigation aids.
In its latest review, the NLB said they were “assessing the long term future” of the Eshaness lighthouse, which is described as a “major light”.
They are also proposing to reduce the range of the light at the Point of Fethaland to 18 miles, and hand over responsibility of the Vaila Sound light to the council, because it lies within the harbour limits.
But the council’s harbour master Captain Roger Moore said the Eshaness lighthouse should be retained as it was an important navigational mark for coastal shipping.
He added that the area to the west and north could see a potential increase in traffic due to new marine renewable energy and oil developments
“It is the recommendation of the harbour master that the board supports the necessity of the NLB retaining the lighthouse at Eshaness thereby helping to ensure the safety of vessels, life and the environment along Shetland’s west coast,” he said in his report.
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