Lighting the way: The story of the Bell Rock Lighthouse

Thu Nov 13 2025 at 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm UTC+00:00

National Library of Scotland | Edinburgh

National Library of Scotland
Publisher/HostNational Library of Scotland
Lighting the way: The story of the Bell Rock Lighthouse
Advertisement
The Bell Rock Lighthouse has been guiding mariners safely through Scottish waters since 1811. Learn about how it was built in this talk.
About this Event

The Bell Rock lighthouse, built by Scottish Engineer Robert Stevenson, is the world's oldest working sea-washed lighthouse. It has been guiding mariners safely through Scottish waters since 1811.

In this talk Mike Bullock, Chief Executive of the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) will explain how this incredible feat of engineering came about.

Mike will also shine a light on the work of NLB, which has provided a vital safety service for mariners since 1786. As the General Lighthouse Authority for Scotland and the Isle of Man, the organisation currently operates and maintains 208 lighthouses and 174 buoys as well as providing radio aids to navigation at sea.

This event is part of , an annual celebration which marks the birthday of one of Edinburgh’s most famous writers.



About the speaker

Mike Bullock took early retirement from the Royal Navy in the rank of Commodore to join the Northern Lighthouse Board as Chief Executive in April 2014.

He was awarded an MBE in 1990 and an OBE in the 2021 New Year's Honours list for Services to the Safety and Welfare of Seafarers.




When you book an event, your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and our third-party suppliers for the purposes of allowing you to attend the event and for audience research. For more information, visit the National Library of Scotland privacy pages, in particular the events notice and feedback and complaints notice. We expect attendees to behave respectfully towards presenters, guests and other audience members.
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 0.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Edinburgh

Schumann & Mozart With Anthony Marwood
Thu, 13 Nov at 02:00 pm Schumann & Mozart With Anthony Marwood

The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh

Floral Street Christmas Scentschool\u2122
Thu, 13 Nov at 02:00 pm Floral Street Christmas Scentschool™

John Lewis Edinburgh

The Forth Awards 2025
Thu, 13 Nov at 03:00 pm The Forth Awards 2025

Usher Hall

Hays Community Hub - Employability Fayre
Thu, 13 Nov at 03:00 pm Hays Community Hub - Employability Fayre

Places for People

Witches: Exploring Motherhood & Maternal Mental Health
Thu, 13 Nov at 04:00 pm Witches: Exploring Motherhood & Maternal Mental Health

Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus

Sustainable Style with Second Stories, By Jen Byrne & Woolkind
Thu, 13 Nov at 05:00 pm Sustainable Style with Second Stories, By Jen Byrne & Woolkind

Shop with No Name

Bedtime and West - The Fae
Thu, 13 Nov at 06:00 pm Bedtime and West - The Fae

Pianodrome, St Oswald's Centre, 41 Montpellier Park, Edinburgh EH10 4NB

TOAST Edinburgh  Exchange | Autumn Winter 25
Thu, 13 Nov at 06:00 pm TOAST Edinburgh Exchange | Autumn Winter 25

TOAST Edinburgh

Thorntons Charity Quiz Night 2025
Thu, 13 Nov at 06:00 pm Thorntons Charity Quiz Night 2025

Le Monde Hotel

Clarins Christmas Beauty Party
Thu, 13 Nov at 06:00 pm Clarins Christmas Beauty Party

John Lewis & Partners Edinburgh

Find Your Light \u2013 A Somatic Breathwork & Sound Healing Journey
Thu, 13 Nov at 06:00 pm Find Your Light – A Somatic Breathwork & Sound Healing Journey

OMH Therapies Yoga & Meditation Studio Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Edinburgh Events