The Stevenson name appeared under various forms like 'Stevinstoun, Stevensoun, Stevensonne, Stenesone, and Stewinsoune' across Scotland from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde from the thirteenth century onwards[1]. The name also occurs as a place-name four times[1]. Despite this widespread presence, by 1700, no land appears to have been vested in any Stevenson[1]. However, legal records reveal other Stevensons involved in various aspects of Scottish life, including members of Parliament, burgesses, and individuals in trades such as foresters, bakers, and maltmen[1]. Some Stevensons were also involved in feuds and violent deaths, while others held positions such as bailies and physicians in Edinburgh[1]. One notable figure, John Stevenson, a 'Land-Labourer' in Carrick, was a devout Covenanter who faced persecution for his beliefs[1].
The author traces his direct ancestors to James Stevenson in Nether Carsewell, parish of Neilston, county of Renfrew, who married Jean Keir in 1665[1]. Their son Robert, born in 1675, was possibly a maltster in Glasgow[1]. The lineage continues through subsequent Roberts, also maltsters, and their descendants[1]. The story focuses on two brothers, Hugh and Alan Stevenson, who rose to prominence in the West Indies but died young[1]. Alan's son, Robert, born in 1772, is a key figure in the narrative[1]. Robert's life takes a turn when his mother remarries Thomas Smith, an Edinburgh Merchant-Burgess and engineer to the Board of Northern Lighthouses[1]. Engaging anecdotes detail Thomas Smith's character as a high Tory, patriot, and businessman, including a story of him seeing his mother's ghost[1].
Thomas Smith, the Edinburgh Spearman, founds a business in lamps and oils and becomes engineer to the Board of Northern Lighthouses[1]. He marries the widow of Alan Stevenson and brings together two families[1]. The stepson, Robert Stevenson, finds common ambitions with his stepfather in the emerging field of civil engineering, which was then more of a living art than a science[1]. Robert becomes involved in lighthouse construction, superintending works on the Isle of Little Cumbrae at nineteen[1]. This leads to a transformation in his character, marked by zealous industry and a commitment to self-improvement[1]. He studies mathematics, chemistry, natural history, and moral philosophy[1].
The women of the Smith and Stevenson households are portrayed as deeply pious, contrasting with the more worldly ambitions of the men[1]. The letters depict acts of kindness from the women and affection, italics, texts, ecstasies, and imperfect spelling from their correspondents[1]. Jean Smith, Robert Stevenson's wife, is described as devout, unambitious, and easily shocked, associating with a clique of godly parasites[1]. Despite differing religious views, a strong bond remains between Robert and Jean[1]. Robert strives to respect and emulate his wife's piety[1]. The family faces significant trials, including the deaths of several children[1]. Letters from a former nursery maid and other correspondents poignantly capture the grief and sorrow experienced during these times[1].
Robert Stevenson's life is characterized by extensive travel, often to remote and dangerous locations[1]. As Engineer to the Board of Northern Lights, he undertakes perilous journeys by sea and land[1]. The Scottish coast, with its savage islands and desolate moors, presents unique challenges[1]. Voyages in the lighthouse tender involve navigating treacherous seas and dealing with unpredictable weather[1]. The engineer must be prepared to land on open beaches or among shelving rocks, facing the vicissitudes of outdoor life[1]. There are accounts of shipwrecks and encounters with wreckers, illustrating the harsh realities of life in the Scottish islands[1]. The narrative also touches on the superstitions and unique customs of the islanders[1].
The life of lightkeepers is explored, highlighting their isolation and the challenges they face[1]. Lightkeepers in sea towers often quarrel, while those on shore stations deal with family tensions[1]. The Scottish system emphasizes the dignity and comfort of lightkeepers, providing them with uniforms and attending to their needs[1]. However, lightkeepers are still subject to temptations and may become lax in their duties, requiring the engineer to act as a martinet[1]. The author details instances of his grandfather's strict oversight and efforts to maintain order and cleanliness in the lighthouses[1]. There are examples of lightkeepers engaging in smuggling and other illicit activities[1].
Robert Stevenson's most significant achievement is the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, located on a dangerous reef off the coast of Scotland[1]. The project faces numerous challenges, including securing funding, transporting materials, and working in a harsh environment[1]. The narrative recounts the daily struggles and triumphs of the construction process, with details about the weather, the tides, and the ingenuity of the workers[1]. The lighthouse is built using innovative engineering techniques, drawing inspiration from Smeaton's Eddystone Lighthouse[1]. Key aspects of the tower's design include flat flooring-stones keyed into a central stone[1]. The project proceeds despite setbacks, such as the loss of the foreman builder, George Peebles, but a new foreman is quickly hired to continue the project[1].
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