Monument record MHG49985 - Skerry Beacon, Stroma

NMRS Report: (27/10/2006 11:43:10)
ND37NW 9 34142 75709

For Stroma Lighthouse (ND 3537 7921), see ND37NE 12.

Beacon [NAT]
OS 1:10,000 map, 1987.

This beacon is situated on Skerry, a low rock which projects into the Inner Sound just off Mell Head [name: ND 339 761], the southernmost point of Stroma. It may be tentatively equated with the 'old lighthouse' that is entered as ND37NE 20 at cited location ND c. 353 792.
The history and status of this beacon are unclear. In 1890, the Commissioners of Northern Lights established a 'scintillating' beacon (supplied with lythene or petroleum spirit from externally-sited 'cisterns') on Stroma, possibly at this location. This was found to be an unsuitable location for a minor light, justifying the construction of the manned lighthouse ND37NE 12.00.
The 1980 edition of the Admiralty List of Lights does not list a beacon on Skerry, but the HO chart notes what may be this structure as an unlit landmark.
Information from RCAHMS (RJCM), 27 October 2006.
R W Munro 1979; UKHO chart no. 2581 (1982, revised 1997).