1786 Creation of a Northern Lighthouse Trust

The fierce storms in the year 1782 led to the creation of the Northern Lighthouse Trust. Merchant ship owners were convinced that something needed to be done to light the Scottish coastline following serious shipping losses of that year. The Dundee merchant George Dempster agitated for the creation of lighthouses around the coast of Scotland. Following the meeting of a Parliamentary Committee, it was decided that lights were needed at the Mull of Kintyre, Point of Scalpay on the Isle of Harris, North Ronaldsay and Kinnaird Head near Fraserburgh. In 1786 an 'Act for erecting certain lighthouses in the Northern Parts of Great Britain' was passed and the Northern Lighthouse Trustees were created. Nineteen members from various walks of life were appointed as Trustees. This organisation eventually became what is now known as the Northern Lighthouse Board.