Making Lighthouses Profitable
By Sue Clark on Feb 23, 2008 in Featured 
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Are Lighthouses Good For the Economy?
One day, while I was doing docent duty at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, I had a young fellow ask me (for a school project) how much does a lighthouse contribute to the economy. I told him, a lot, as they are one of the biggest tourist draws for an area. Everyone loves lighthouses, along with wanting to be a lighthouse keeper. One of the most popular searches bringing visitors to this site are “lighthouse jobs.” Well, lighthouse keeper jobs are long gone, but the lure of the dream remains. And at least one country understands the attraction of the night beacons and does all it can to maximize the tourist money. The UK seems to understand the idea of a working lighthouse and tourist dollars.
Sumburgh Lighthouse Development
Shetland Island in Scotland, best known for its ponies and sheepdogs, is also home to the Sumburgh Lighthouse (pictured above). And a recent story on the Shetland Times Online reveals plans for a new project which is expected to turn the lighthouse into a leading visitor attraction and self-catering accomodation. The Shetland Development Trust, along with the Shetland Amenity Trust will be funding the first phases of the project, giving £1.5 million GBP, or nearly $3 million USD. The amenity trust is also hoping to secure money from other sources, including Historic Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund, and others, with the total cost coming to £3.9 million (over $7.5 million). The project will take three years to complete and provide jobs for 12 local people to restore the buildings.
Restoring the mid-eighteenth century lighthouse, built by Robert Stevenson, will be first on the agenda. Designed into the renovation will be a visitor center to tell of the history of the light and surrounding area, and to interpret local wildlife, both marine and land. Self-catering apartments will be created, and along with the rangers’ offices (and others) a cafe and shop will be built. And improved access and parking. In fact, one councillor, Cecil Smith, told the others that the road should be taken care of first, as the current single track access lane was “diabolical.”
It Takes Money To Make Money
While that seems a lot of money, the long term benefits were obvious to most of the Council. Councillor Gussie Angus, who made the motion to invest the money from the Development Trust, said the “iconic building” was a popular attraction and could be a “significant money earner,” but parts of the complex were sad and broken down. And although it faced a bit of opposition, it passed handily.
Amenity trust general manager Jimmy Moncrieff said later: “We are delighted to have received this investment from the Shetland Development Trust. The project is really exciting for the tourist industry and having this local backing gives a strong commitment to this project and further enhancing quality facilities available for our tourists.”
Self-Catered Apartments?
Of course, that term caught my eye. It sounds intriguing. At first I thought it might be what we here stateside call housekeeping cottages, but they are actual apartments for short term rental. Most sleep anywhere from two to eight people, and are fully furnished. They function as an alternative to full service hotels. And as long as they’ll be in keeping with the style of the lighthouse, they’ll make a lovely addition.
So many people want to live in a lighthouse (that’s this site’s other popular search), it would be great to see more of the world’s lighthouses available. And think of the tourist money that would come into the area. A great idea and grand plans, Shetland Trust. From the story:
Development trust chairman Josie Simpson said: “The Sumburgh Head Development Project is a very unique and marketable heritage project. The site is the number one outdoor attraction for visitors coming to Shetland, and making this investment will help Shetland to display our quality heritage products to attract more tourists.”
Photo Credit: Sumburgh Lighthouse by David R. Lewis. Some rights reserved.
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