Community / Mercury to be removed from Sumburgh Head lighthouse
THE HISTORIC Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is set to undergo what is being described as a major refurbishment.
As well as an electrical upgrade, redecoration and refurbishment of the lighthouse tower and the engine/welfare block, the Northern Lighthouse Board will be removing mercury from the station.
The current First Order Fresnel Lens at Sumburgh Head is rotated on a float and mercury bath.
With health hazards relating to mercury vapour, this system is to be replaced by a mechanical, motor driven bearing ring which means the light will still rotate.
Planning permission is being sought for the work on the A-listed building.
Craig Field, project lead with the Northern Lighthouse Board, said: “We started a programme to remove mercury from our stations over four years ago due to the health hazard from mercury vapour. Mercury was mainly used where there was a revolving lens to aid frictionless motion.
“At sites where the mercury has been removed, we have replaced the rotating lamps like the one at Sumburgh Head with a static LED optic.
“However, we recognise the significance of the First Order Fresnel Lens currently in place at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and the attraction it holds to visitors.
“We are therefore proposing to keep the original lens in place but remove any hazards to visiting public and our own maintenance technicians.”
The station was fully automated in 1991 and the former keepers’ cottages and outbuildings are owned by the Shetland Amenity Trust.
The trust renovated and restored the buildings at a cost of £5.4million to create a visitor attraction which opened in 2014.
The lighthouse tower and engine/welfare block are still owned by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.