A BID to preserve a Mearns lighthouse that has become redundant because of modern navigational aids is being made by the local community.

The Tod Head lighthouse at Catterline was shut down in July and a decision has yet to be made on its future.

The General Lighthouse Authorities of the UK and Ireland in a 2005 review decided it should no longer be used as it was merely a “waypoint.”

Because there was no specific hazard being identified by its beacon, the lighthouse was closed.

That has left residents in Catterline fearing the now dormant building could be sold off to a buyer who would turn it into residential property.

Catterline, Kinneff and Dunnottar Community Council has written to the Northern Lighthouse Board to try and find out what the plans are for the future of the 110-year-old landmark.

Secretary Stephen Hall said, “We don’t know whether they are going to keep it or sell it.

“There have been some discussions and we are looking for ideas of what we would do with it in the community.”

Mearns councillor George Carr said, “If the lighthouse could be kept for public use that would be great.

“But the cost and viability of any project would be the big thing because I am sure it would not be cheap to maintain.”