Located at Scotland’s most southerly point is the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, which, along with the Inubosaki Lighthouse situated on Japan’s Pacific Coast, have signed a historic agreement to link the two lighthouses in a twinning partnership.
The signing of the agreement took place in an online ceremony at the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse and at Japan Coast Guard Headquarters in Tokyo, respectively.
Mike Bullock, NLB’s Chief Executive said: “This historic agreement marks a significant milestone in lighthouse collaboration. It is the first ever lighthouse twinning agreement in the world, and along with the Mull of Galloway Trust, we are honoured to be partnering with the Japan Coast Guard and the Tokokai on this unique initiative.
“The aim of bringing together the two lighthouses in this special partnership is to highlight the shared heritage between Scotland and Japan and to promote tourism in each other’s country. These two lighthouses were matched due to the impact they have on the local community and their importance to tourism and maritime history.”
The Inubosaki Lighthouse designed and built by Scottish engineer Richard Henry Brunton in 1874 served as the most important coastal lighthouse to support the safety of maritime traffic in the Pacific Ocean approaches, from and to Tokyo Bay, an important location for Japanese shipping industry and economy. Because of its practical importance as well as historical value, the Inubosaki Brunton Association was established by the local community to support the research of the lighthouse and to raise public awareness.
The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse was established in 1830 and engineered by Robert Stevenson whose sons David and Thomas helped prepare Brunton for his mission to Japan. On 4 July 2013, the former lightkeepers cottages, engine room, foghorn and 30 acres of heathland at the Mull of Galloway were successfully bought by the local community and the Mull of Galloway Trust was formed. The Northern Lighthouse Board still own and operate the lighthouse tower.
It is hoped other nations with a shared lighthouse heritage will follow and adopt a similar model.
