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MHG29314 - Nicolson Lighthouse

Summary

One of three monuments associated with John Nicholson and Nybster Broch. Nicolosn lighthouse originally held a light for use by fishermen navigating into the harbour at night.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

This is one of three stone monuments (small decorative towers) built by Nicholson N of the broch along the coast. Built of stone pieces with some stones embellished by carving. Apparently originally held a light at night used to guide the fishermen into the harbour. - HAW 9/2002

Visited at request of Cllr. John Green in summer 2000 by J Wood. The idea was that boats coming in at night could line up a light showing in Mr. Nicolson's window with a slot in this monument and thereby guide themselves into the harbour.
When visited it was completely dismantled with stones lying on the ground. It had apparently been dismantled by Ian Sutherland (Wick Heritage Society) some years ago with view to rebuilding it.
Mr. Sutherland has supplied a copy of his plans and drawings made at the time which I have passed on to the Council's drystane dyker, Nick Aitken. Project now agreed to reconstruct it in early 2001 by Messrs Aitken and Sutherland working together.
See also ND36SE0050; 51 John Wood 21/11/00

This has now been reconstructed by Mr. Sinclair assisted by the Council's drystane dyker, Nick Aitken. Unfortunately it is not an accurate reconstruction and it is also on a different site some metres away from the original one. See photos taken by me in summer 2001 and compare with photo kindly supplied by Noel Fojut, Historic scotland, some years ago.
JW 13/8/2001

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Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred ND 3706 6353 (10m by 13m) (4 map features)
Map sheet	ND36SE
Civil Parish	CANISBAY
Geographical Area	CAITHNESS

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