In Scotland a historic picket line took place in Oban on the west coast as Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) members on Monday went on strike for the first time.

Around 20 Unite the Union members working for the NLB, which has its HQ in Edinburgh, have taken the action following a dispute over a pay rise of two per cent.

The increase argue the striking workers is too low an offer from the NLB which is the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) responsible for the waters surrounding Scotland and the Isle of Man.

The striking workers had gathered outside the NLB's Depot in Oban in Argyll & Bute where its technical operations are carried out. In addition Oban is a base for its fleet of two aids to navigation tenders, the NLV Pharos and NLV Pole Star (See separate vessel replacement story).

The strike was held outside the organisation's Oban office on Gallanach Road where red Unite Scotland flags and plastic clappers were on hand to ensure their protest was seen and heard.

This was the first time that workers of NLB had carried out an official strike action in the organisation’s 236-year history. As Afloat reported in April workers voted to take strike-action over pay. 

The NLB is responsible for 208 lighthouses across Scotland and the Isle of Man, with employees maintaining and operating lighthouses, beacons and buoys at sea. Asides technicians working in Oban they are also based in Inverness, Orkney and Shetland.

The Oban Times has more on this historic strike which also involved a further 20 Unite members according to STV News which reported of strike action planned from noon on Monday until noon yesterday, Tuesday.