The National Library of Scotland has signed up to be involved in the Arbroath Year of the Light, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the country’s most famous lighthouse.
A display showcasing a variety of treasures which chart the Bell Rock’s past have been unveiled at the Edinburgh library, including artefacts detailing the construction of the world’s oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse.
Built by Scottish engineer Robert Stevenson, it guards some of the fiercest waters of the North Sea.
The exhibition has been organised to mark 200 years since the first lighting of the lighthouse, on February 1, 1811.
Highlights include a drawing of the Beacon House, the first building on the rock, which was created to house the workmen and the blacksmith’s forge.
Stevenson’s ideas for the creation of the lighthouse, and original designs will also be on show, as will documents outlining the dangers the Bell Rock posed.
Visitors will be able to read notes of Sir Walter Scott’s experience of his visit to the lighthouse, and see a film of an inspection of the lighthouse.
Senior manuscripts curator Sheila Mackenzie said, “We are delighted to join in the Bell Rock Lighthouse bicentenary celebrations by producing the Building The Bell Rock Lighthouse display.
“This incredible feat of engineering is reflected by the diverse range of items on show, from letters and drawings to videos.”
The display will be on show at the library’s public exhibition space on George IV Bridge until February 28.
For more information on the celebrations taking place throughout the country to mark the lighthouse’s anniversary go online.