1635 - Isle of May Lighthouse conceived

A Crown Patent was issued in this year to James Maxwell and two brothers, John and Alexander Cunningham, to build a light beacon on the Isle of May. It was a private enterprise and two shillings per ton was charged to Scottish ship owners to keep it lit. This was something of a poor deal because the Isle of May was little more than a naked flame and had dubious value as a navigation aid. The original tower no longer exists but traces of the foundations may still be seen on the island.