National Library of Scotland
A photo of Mike Bullock and a painting of a lighthouse.

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 Robert Louis Stevenson Day, 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.

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