An iconic Fife lighthouse is celebrating a special anniversary with the help of three artists.
Derek Robertson, Keith Brockie and Darren Woodhead have transformed the Isle of May’s Stevenson lighthouse into an art gallery to mark its double centenary.
The trio have produced artworks depicting the Firth of Forth island and its wildlife, also coinciding with “the May’s” 60th year as a national nature reserve.
David Steel, reserve manager for Scottish Natural Heritage on the island, said: “We’re delighted to be able to use the unique venue of the main lighthouse, which is owned and operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board, to show work by these talented artists.
“They each have a strong connection to the island and this exhibition will be a fabulous way of seeing the May through their eyes.”
While more recently known as a sanctuary for seabirds and marine life, the Isle of May has held huge significance for those living near the Forth for several centuries.
Scotland’s very first lighthouse, “The Beacon”, remains on the island after it was saved from demolition at the request of Sir Walter Scott, while the current castle-like lighthouse was designed by the engineer Robert Stevenson.
Today, the island is a popular tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors ever year.
The island’s importance for seabirds has drawn scientists to its shores for many years and is home to the oldest continuously running bird observatory in the UK, founded in 1934.
Mike Bullock, chief executive of the Northern Lighthouse Board, said: “The Isle of May is a very special place and it is significant in our lighthouse heritage as the site of Scotland’s first ever lighthouse, dating back to 1636, and the ‘new’ light which is celebrating 200 years of operation for the safety of the mariner.”
The exhibition will be open every weekend until August 1, after which it will be open every day.
Entry is free.
