A 132-year-old message in a bottle has been discovered inside the walls of the historic Corsewall Lighthouse, located at the northern tip of the Rhins of Galloway, Scotland. The remarkable find was made during an inspection of the lighthouse, marking what is believed to be the first-ever message-in-a-bottle discovery at a lighthouse in Scotland.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Discovery
The bottle, measuring 8 inches (20 cm) in height, was found by Ross Russell, a mechanical engineer with the Northern Lighthouse Board, during routine maintenance work. It was hidden deep within the walls of the lighthouse, tucked away in a cupboard behind panels. Despite being out of immediate reach, the team managed to retrieve it using a makeshift contraption made from rope and a broom handle.
However, the excitement grew as the team decided to wait for lighthouse keeper Barry Miller to arrive before opening the bottle. When the bottle was finally opened, the excitement was palpable, with Barry Miller, 77, admitting that his hands were shaking as he pulled out the letter.
A Window into the Past
The letter, written in quill and ink on aged paper, was dated 4 September 1892. It revealed the names of the engineers who had installed a new lantern at the lighthouse and the names of the three keepers stationed there at the time. The note describes the installation of a new light and the workers involved, along with a reference to the lens and equipment supplied by James Dove & Co Engineers of Edinburgh.
Here is the full text from the letter:
“Corsewall Light & Fog Signal Station, Sept 4th 1892.
This lantern was erected by James Wells Engineer, John Westwood Millwright, James Brodie Engineer, David Scott Labourer, of the firm of James Milne & Son Engineers, Milton House Works, Edinburgh, during the months from May to September and relighted on Thursday night 15th Sept 1892.
The following being keepers at the station at this time, John Wilson Principal, John B Henderson 1st assistant, John Lockhart 2nd assistant.
The lens and machine being supplied by James Dove &Co Engineers Greenside Edinburgh and erected by William Burness, John Harrower, James Dods. Engineers with the above firm.”
A Moment of Reflection
The discovery left the engineers and the lighthouse team in awe. Ross Russell described the experience as “unbelievable” and expressed his amazement at being the first person to touch the bottle after more than a century. He called it a “once-in-a-lifetime find” and a moment that connected him to the past.
In a twist of fate, the engineers were working on a project related to the very equipment described in the letter. Their task was to assess the bearing on which the lighthouse’s five-tonne lens rotates, a task that tied them directly to the work done in 1892.
Preserving the Past for the Future
The team decided to replace the original letter and bottle where they had found it, adding their own message to the bottle as a tribute to the engineers of the past. This symbolic gesture will ensure that future generations can experience the same sense of connection to the history of the lighthouse and its importance in maritime navigation.
A Family Connection
The discovery also has personal significance for Euan Murray, a Royal Navy chief engineer, who is the great-great-great-grandson of Robert Murray, one of the lighthouse keepers mentioned in the letter. Murray, who grew up near the lighthouse in Stranraer, said he was fascinated to see a piece of his family history surface unexpectedly. Reflecting on the historical significance, he pointed out that even in the age of satellite navigation, lighthouses like Corsewall remain vital for maritime safety, with ships still relying on these beacons for navigation.
The Legacy of the Lighthouse
The story of the hidden message in the bottle highlights the enduring importance of lighthouses in guiding ships safely through dangerous waters. Corsewall Lighthouse, which dates back to 1815, continues to serve as a critical navigation point for vessels passing through the waters of the Irish Sea.
The message-in-a-bottle find also offers a poignant reminder of the human connections and stories that are woven into the fabric of these historic landmarks, preserving the legacy of those who worked tirelessly to maintain the light that guided mariners home.
