Monday, March 11, 2013

Fair Isle Lighthouse Society

Everyone loves taking photos of Fair Isle's South Lighthouse,
 but wouldn't you love to take a look inside?
Now you can! Thanks to the new Fair Isle Lighthouse Society.

Things are looking up at the South Lighthouse!

Thanks to the Northern Lighthouse Board and the members Fair Isle Lighthouse Society, you can now climb to the top of the South Lighthouse Tower just like the Lighthouse Keepers did. A handful of islanders have joined together to form the Fair Isle Lighthouse Society. The main purpose of this group is to over see visitation inside and up the South Lighthouse for tourist. Almost everyone who visits Fair Isle asks if they can go up the Lighthouse? But, this access has never been formally allowed until now. The NLB requires the FILS to purchase public liability insurance every year.  As to date we have not received any public money. (unlike the millions for Sumburgh Lighthouse.) The society is not a non-profit nor a viable commercial enterprise. We started with a £500.00 loan from the National Trust for Scotland which needs to be paid back shortly. We hope to raise £1000.00 in donations from Fair Isle lovers & Lighthouse enthusiast who understand the value of providing this historic access as much as we do. We are also looking for any historic items or stories for display if you have any? Maintaining this access to the light creates a important infrastructure for the isle's tourist activities & heritage. The money from your donations will hopefully cover the start up cost and the future access fees should pay the yearly insurance from here after. We appreciate anything you can do to help.

our goal is to raise £1000.00
Donations can be sent by post or PayPal.

Fair Isle Lighthouse Society
 South Lighthouse, Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, ZE2 9JU. 

or PayPal to email acct:  f.i.lighthouse.society@gmail  

Business Advertisers or Corporate Sponsorship Welcome.
As treasurer and a founding member of F.I.Ligthouse Society please feel free to contact me personally for any reason. Cheers!

Tommy Hyndman - tommyartgallery@yahoo.com - 01595-760-349



Looking down, down, down, down...

The climb to the top is quite strenuous…
UP 106 STEPS & 2 LADDERS… ALL THE WAY TO THE LIGHT AT THE TOP!
Catch your breath, take in the view, get some perspective & a bit of history.


2 ladders to climb

Then up into the windowed light room.


it's a great photo opp!

View to the north

Guest are not allowed up while NLB engineers are working.
or when the light is on.


The light and glass lens. 


looking down....
Hey, that bench and wall is not there any more... if you would like to donate a new bench? contact us.




              
                           Watch this video to see why the bench & wall are no longer there...


more info on the recent storm damage to the South Lighthouse:

On less windy days you maybe able to go out on the cat-walk.
                     The View from the Window or Balcony is a Towering Experience.
Light on the cat-walk looking towards North Ronaldsay in the south west.
(only visible on clear days, binoculars help.)

View of the Fair Isle crofts from the South Lighthouse.

then back down we go...


Don’t miss this great photo opportunity! – Souvenirs, Postcard & Crafts available.



ADULTS £5.00 - CHILDREN £3.00
Schedule a visit 10am and 4pm most days by Mutual Arrangement.
 Max. 5 folk at a time.
Children under five years are not allowed to climb the tower.


Fair Isle Lighthouse Society GUIDE CONTACTS:  
   
                                            01595 760 355 -DAVE BRACKENBURY
                            01595 760 225 -BILL MURRAY
                            01595 760 349 -TOMMY HYNDMAN
                         01595 760 241 -STEWART THOMSON


For more info and photos of the South Lighthouse follow this link:

3 comments:

  1. Beautiful Pics!

    ReplyDelete
  2. great post - lovely photos, and great video!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Loved Henry's Trip to Foula. Great pics.

    ReplyDelete