Isle of May lighthouse turns art gallery

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is hosting the exhibition in the island’s Main Lighthouse as part of a season of events celebrating the Isle of May’s 60^th anniversary as a National Nature Reserve (NNR). It is also 200 years since the lighthouse started operating in 1816.

The display features artworks depicting scenes of the island and its wildlife by artists Derek Robertson, Keith Brockie and Darren Woodhead. Known locally as 'The May', this small island sits on the edge of the Firth of Forth.

David Steel, SNH’s reserve manager on the island, said: “With the two anniversaries there’s plenty to celebrate on the Isle of May this year. We’re delighted to be able to use the unique venue of the Main Lighthouse, which is owned and operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board, to show work by these talented artists. They each have a strong connection to the island and this exhibition will be a fabulous way of seeing the May through their eyes.”

The exhibition will be open each weekend until 01 August, and then it will be open every day. Entry to the exhibition is free and it is free to visit the NNR, but you must take a boat trip to reach the island.

The island's importance for seabirds has drawn scientists to its shores for many years and the May is home to the oldest continuously running bird observatory in the UK, founded in 1934. The May is also a regular haunt for grey seals which are often seen lounging on the shoreline rocks.

Mike Bullock, Chief Executive of the Northern Lighthouse Board, said: “The Isle of May is a very special place and it is significant in our lighthouse heritage as the site of Scotland’s first ever lighthouse, dating back to 1636, and the “new” light which is celebrating 200 years of operation for the safety of the mariner.

“Over the last year the NLB has solarised the operation of the light and as part of this reengineering work we have incorporated safety systems and installed information boards to allow the public to access the building and find out more about our history. We are delighted to be working with Scottish Natural Heritage to provide tours of this unique lighthouse building.”

This island has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and features the remains of a 12^th Century monastery. Scotland's very first lighthouse, ‘The Beacon’, remains on the island after it was saved from demolition at the request of Sir Walter Scott. The current, castle-like lighthouse was designed by the engineer Robert Stevenson.