the Skerryvore Lighthouse

Information on Skerryvore Lighthouse

Skerryvore Lighthouse, the name of which is derived from the Gaelic words "Sgeir" meaning the rock and "mhor" ("mh" is pronounced "v") meaning big, marks a very extensive and treacherous reef of rocks lying in the sea off the Hebrides some 10 or 11 miles south west of Tiree. It was built of granite quarried on the Island of Mull during the six years from 1838 to 1844, to the design of Alan Stevenson, Engineer and constitutes an outstanding example of lighthouse engineering. The beautiful symmetry of the outline of the tower, the proportions of which are a height of 156ft with diameter of 42ft at the base tapering to 16ft at the top, ranks it amongst the most graceful of all lighthouse towers; it is even asserted by some that Skerryvore is the worlds most graceful lighthouse.

Reconstruction work on the lighthouse commenced in 1956 and was completed in 1959 when the light was made electric. It is now a self-generating station, power being produced by 3 diesel generators, any one of which is able to carry the full station load. In 1972 a concrete helicopter pad with additional fuel storage tanks contained therein was constructed on the rocks at the base of the tower. This allowed the relief’s to be carried out by a helicopter which is not so likely to be affected by adverse weather conditions. Skerryvore Lighthouse was automated in 1994.

Traditions

Trails – Skerryvore has become a traditional testing place for the Storm Lords and many of that Tribe have had their Rite of Passage completed there. The archetypical test is to ‘carry a light to the house of Skerryvore’; normally when the seas are at their roughest. The 10 or 11 miles are a tough distance for a strong and experienced seaman to row (powered vessels being frowned on) or swim though finding it is normally less of a task due to the light at its top calling them onwards.

Meeting Place – To the Iminir of Scotland, especially those few of the area, Skerryvore remains a suitable meeting place. It befits the heirs of Winter Wolf to struggle through the worst of the seas anger to reach the desolate rock in the middle of the ocean so that important matters may be debated amongst the raw might of the ocean’s power.

Families – Many of the lighthouse keepers along Britain’s coast have belonged to the Foesbiter (Frobisher) family (who originate from the Isle of Man), and many have links with the Lodge of the Maelstrom, warning of dangers from the seas and showing a safe harbour to those who require it. If you would like your character to be related to or part of this family please contact storyteller@forsaken.camarilla.org.uk

With thanks to Luke McCarthy (UK0605-6233) for his suggestion of this location.

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