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Annual Report 1891
On 27th December at 10.55 p.m. Kyleakin Lighthouse was struck by lightning which entered the Tower apparently by the Ventilator at the top on the Dome and passed down the hatches and through the outside door which was open. It completely smashed half a dozen panes of plate glass used for Lantern Storm panes, and some window glass, all of which were lying in the Store Room immediately beneath the Lightroom. The hand lamp on the table in the Lightroom was extinguished and the flame of the large lamp considerable impaired for a few moments, but it soon rose again to its former height. No one was injured, but McColm the Assistant Keeper who was in the Lightroom on duty at the time suffered a considerable shock, which he felt for some days afterwards. On examination, it was found that one of the forks of the lightning conductor had been slightly burned or melted but whether this was done on the night of the accident or not, it is impossible to tell. Mr Coats, one of the District Inspectors was at once sent off to examine and repair the conductor which he had no difficulty in doing. As suggested by the Engineer many years ago in one of his reports, steps have now been taken to have all the lightning conductors periodically inspected and tested as to their efficiency, by means of a galvanometer and thus less the risk of such accidents in the future.
25 April 1911
Sir, I am directed by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses to request the sanction of the Board of Trade to the payment of an allowance of one six pence a day to the Attending Boatman at Kyleakin Lighthouse to enable him to obtain assistance in drawing up the Boat nightly.
Owing to the strong tide and to the fishing traffic close inshore, the Boat cannot be left at moorings and it is too heavy for one man to draw up the steep gravel beach. The late Boatman was assisted by a brother, but the present Boatman is unable to obtain assistance without paying for it, and it is necessary to make him the above allowance for this purpose.
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