A familiar guiding light off the coast near Buckie is about to enter a bold new chapter.
After faithfully serving generations of seafarers since the 1970s, the navigation light on The Mucks is finally being retired and replaced with a modern, state-of-the-art beacon that promises to shine for the next fifty years.
Moray Council has approved the ambitious project, which will see the ageing structure dismantled and its successor installed by helicopter.
The remote and rocky nature of The Mucks makes conventional access impossible, so the delicate operation has been scheduled for Thursday 19 June, depending on weather conditions.
The new navigation light has been carefully designed by engineering experts Wallace Stone LLP, working alongside marine specialists Aberdeen Marine Ltd.
Between them, they have created a structure built to withstand the harsh Scottish coastal elements, ensuring the safety of vessels navigating these waters for decades to come.
Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, highlighted the significance of the upgrade.
He said the replacement was vital to protect vessels operating along this stretch of coastline.
The outgoing light has served the maritime community for many years, and the council is proud to invest in this durable and modern solution.
Councillor Macrae also emphasised the importance of the project in the context of Buckie’s future.
With ongoing discussions about developing and expanding Buckie Harbour, the new navigation light is a timely investment that supports both existing maritime traffic and potential growth in the area’s economic activity.
Every year, maintenance teams will carry out regular inspections and servicing to ensure the light continues to perform reliably, regardless of what the North Sea throws at it.
The replacement of such an important piece of infrastructure is a reminder of the enduring relationship between Scotland’s coastal communities and the sea.
For the fishermen, cargo vessels and leisure craft that pass these shores, the light on The Mucks remains a trusted sentinel, quietly safeguarding their journeys.
As the helicopter carefully lowers the new structure into place later this month, it will mark not only the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new one, with modern engineering ensuring the tradition of safe passage continues for the next generation.
