The historic lights guiding North Sea vessels into Aberdeen’s harbour for almost two centuries have been restored.
Work to widen the harbour entrance last year meant the leading lights, which have been in place for 171 years, were no longer able to mark the centre line for the channel.
Temporary lights had been in place while the engineering work was carried out, but now the lights – the oldest cast iron light towers in Europe – have been restored to their proper role guiding craft back to the harbour.
Engineering firm Geostructural Solutions lifted the 15-tonne tower, positioning it onto a frame and track that allowed it to be shifted along the harbour to its new position.
“The leading lights have been in operation since 1842 and are the world’s second oldest cast iron light towers,” explained harbour chief executive Colin Parker.
“Given the historic importance of the lights, we wanted to make sure that they would continue to guide vessels into port following the completion of work to widen the navigation channel.”
Watch the operation to move the lights unfold in our video below.