Rennie presses Minister to save lighthouse

3.08.44pm GMT Fri 1st Dec 2006

One of the oldest lighthouses in Scotland is in danger of crumbling into disrepair if funds are not urgently secured to begin restoration. North Queensferry Lighthouse was constructed by Robert Stevenson under the direction of the famous Scottish engineer John Rennie, who also designed North Queensferry's Town Pier. Although the lighthouse is a mere 20 feet tall it is regarded as an important piece of architecture which has survived the rigours of the coastal climate for almost 200 years.

John Rennie's namesake, Willie Rennie, the MP for Dunfermline and West Fife has written to Patricia Ferguson MSP, the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport in the Scottish parliament urging extra funding for the lighthouse.

Willie Rennie said:

"The North Queensferry Lighthouse is an important aspect of Scottish heritage, not just because it was designed by a celebrated Scottish engineer but because it has survived the elements for so many decades.

"I have written to the Patricia Ferguson to urge her to push for funding from the Scottish Executive for this worthy cause. The North Queensferry Heritage Trust is an excellent organisation who are not looking for huge amounts of cash, just enough to stop this historic landmark from crumbling away."