OS1/13/1/4
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISLE OF MAY | ..a fire of coals was constantly kept burning. This proved of much service to the navigation of the Firth, although vessels would often run within half a mile of the island before the light was discernible. The architect of this tower is said to have been drowned on his return from the island in a storm supposed to have been raised by some old women who were in consequence burned as witches. With the estate of Barns, the island was purchased by Scott of Scotstarvet upwards of 120 years ago and came to the late General Scott of Balcomie, by whose daughter the Duchess of Portland it was sold for £60,000 to the Comissioners for Northern Lights. In 1815 -16 they built the lighthouse and fitted it up with oil lamps and reflectors. The beacon was lit up on the new place on Feb 1st 1816. The light resembles a star of the first magnitude and may be seen from all points of the compass at the distance of about 7 leagues, and is elevated 240 feet above the medium level of the sea. A rent of £21 is received by Government for the pasturage and birds on the island. The only inhabitants are the two lightkeepers and their families. Abridged from Fullartons Gazeteer of Scotland. |
Continued entries/extra info
[Page] 4Parish of
[Note] This Island is Extra Parochial.
The correspondence regarding it will shortly
be forwarded.
.
Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
DANIALSAN, MaxInSpain , MartinC
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