Lighthouse Provisions

Here is a selection of items from the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses collection that relate specifically to lighthouse provisions.

Provisions were brought to the lighthouse by ship or local boatmen, and provision boxes were left by the keepers on the landing stage for re-stocking. Tinned, powdered and dehydrated foods were largely consumed. Ship's biscuits were supplied for emergency rations. These were made from a stiff dough comprising of water, wholemeal flour and salt.

The kitchen was a great place for recent arrivals to the lighthouse to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings, and tending to vegetable gardens was a good passtime for the men, as well as providing them with additional fresh food.

Please click on the images below for further details.