Preliminary Arrangements
The construction of the Skerryvore Lighthouse was authorized by an Act of Parliament in 1814, but it wasn't until 1834 that the Commissioners took action[1]. The initial step was a survey of the rocks, commencing in the autumn of 1834 and completed in the summer of 1835[1]. This involved extensive triangulation, with over twenty land triangles measured[1]. Soundings were also taken, with positions determined using buoys and subsidiary triangulations[1]. Tide observations were conducted over six weeks to correct depth measurements[1]. The shores of Tyree were examined to establish a signal tower and harbor[1]. Difficulties arose due to Tyree's lack of natural harbors and resources, requiring all materials and craftsmen to be imported[1]. In 1836 and 1837, quarries were opened near Hynish Point to source building materials[1]. Despite the challenges, about 3800 cubic feet of rock was produced, along with a large quantity of rubble[1].
Preliminary work also included constructing a shipping station and pier at Hynish, Tyree[1]. Permission was obtained from the Duke of Argyll to quarry materials, and a Skerryvore Committee was appointed in December 1837 to oversee the project[1].
Construction Challenges During Operations
The construction of the Skerryvore Lighthouse faced numerous challenges over several seasons[1]. The remote location of the Skerryvore Rock made it difficult to access, especially with perpetual surf[1]. Shipping was hazardous due to the numerous shoals and the lack of good harbors in Tyree[1]. Vessels struggled to reach the rock, and sudden gales often forced them to seek shelter[1]. For example, a sudden gale on August 8th forced vessels to retreat, highlighting the perils of the location[1]. The destruction of the wooden barrack during a gale was a significant setback[1]. Delays in shipping materials and the unworkable nature of the gneiss rock added to the difficulties[1]. Tides and heavy seas frequently interrupted work, and landings were often dangerous due to the smooth, slippery surface of the rock[1]. The unpredictable weather patterns in the Western Hebrides further complicated the operations[1]. The ever-present threat of the sea was a constant concern, with workers facing the risk of being swept away by waves[1]. The heavy seas and wave action made securing materials and equipment a continuous struggle[1]. The remote location also meant that obtaining supplies and assistance was difficult and time-consuming[1].
Temporary Accommodations
To provide shelter for the workmen, a temporary wooden barrack was erected on the rock[1]. This structure, similar to one used on the Bell Rock, provided living quarters and storage space[1]. The barrack had a hexagonal pyramid framework, designed to offer minimal resistance to waves, with a wooden turret on top[1]. The turret was divided into a kitchen, foreman's quarters, and a barrack room for 30 people[1]. Living in the barrack was challenging, with workers facing discomforts like sea-sickness and limited space: "The small space which the turret afforded was, with the utmost economy of room, divided into three storeys…"[1].
The first barrack, however, was destroyed during a gale, underscoring the precarious nature of the work[1]. A replacement was constructed with improvements to withstand the elements, but life in the barrack remained spartan, with limited opportunities for comfort[1]. The wooden barrack was lost to a gale, and its state was described: "The whole barrack timbers had been carried away… The former of these beams had fallen in the direction of the highest part of the Rock, and had drawn one of the iron stancheons 16 inches. The latter was all in splinters, with one of the iron stancheons broken, and the other bent"[1].
Human Experiences and Faith
Amidst the challenges and dangers, the workers experienced moments of both hardship and camaraderie[1]. One poignant detail from the text notes: "Instead of a weather - beaten rock, whitened by the dung of sea-fowls, and with marine crustacea adhering toit, thesurface oftheSkerryvore issmoothly polished bytheaction ofthewaves"[1], highlighting the unforgiving environment. The sudden death of foreman George Middlemiss cast a shadow over the operations[1].
The text notes with reverence the spiritual dimension of the undertaking: "Those who best know thenature oftheservice inwhich wewere engaged…will not wonder that Iamanxious toexpress ,what Iknow tohave been ageneral feeling amongst those engaged inthework -thatofheartfelt thank-fulness toALMIGHTY GOD formerciful preservation indanger ,andforthe-final success which terminated ourarduous andprotracted labours"[1]. The reference to George Middlemiss' death highlights the ever-present risks[1].
There was danger in springing ashore from a boat in a heavy surf upon an irregular mass ofrock assmooth andslippery asice[1]. The workmen were often sorely tried ,and many inconvenient accidents occurred from falls[1]. Aforeman graphically described it as like climbing uptheside ofabottle[1].
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