The Beamer Lighthouse rock will be used as a foundation for one of the new Forth road bridge's towers
But the days of the Beamer Rock Lighthouse are numbered after it emerged it will be dismantled to make way for the new Forth crossing. The rocky island on which the lighthouse sits will become one of the foundations for the £1.7 billion replacement crossing. However, the structure, which sits jus
t off Port Edgar, is to be preserved and could find a new home in the months to come. Transport Scotland said that although the lighthouse, constructed in 1826, is not listed, it is of historic interest and should be preserved. Plans for the future of the structure have not been finalised, but locals would like to see the light, which guards the entrance to both Rosyth dockyard and the inner Forth, preserved. Commodore Terry Kirchin, of the Port Edgar Yacht Club, which named its magazine after the rock, said he would like to see the small lighthouse brought on to the Port Edgar mainland. He said: "The Beamer Lighthouse is quite modest, but it's a very important piece of the navigation as the rock is a significant hazard. We also have a series of night races which finish at night in September and the Beamer light is a helpful part of orienteering around that part of the Forth. "Although the little Beamer light is clearly overwhelmed by the bridges as a landmark, it is an important part of the Forth. We wouldn't like to see it end up elsewhere. "The right place for it to be should be on a plinth at the Port Edgar Marina explaining the purpose that it has had for all of these years." Lord Provost George Grub, who has lived in South Queensferry for many years and represents the council ward, added his support, saying: "It's good that Transport Scotland are going to relocate the lighthouse because it's been an important feature of life in South Queensferry for many, many generations." Local historian Jim Walker, who has contributed to TV documentaries and books on the history of the Forth Bridge, said: "The significant aspect of this for me, is that just as Inchgarvie Island provided the foundation for the rail bridge, Beamer Rock will provide the foundation for this new road bridge." A Transport Scotland spokesman said: "The design of the Forth Replacement Crossing takes advantage of Beamer Rock, using it as a foundation for one of the new bridge's three towers. "This requires the dismantling, removal and storage of the small lighthouse there, which is scheduled to take place late this year."
