A new mosaic lighthouse sculpture and community greenspace development has been unveiled in Portsoy.

The unveiling is the culmination of a community driven project following an initial crowdfunding bid to retain the 2.5 metre tall lighthouse, after its temporary installation in the town as part of Clan Cancer Support’s fundraising Light The North lighthouse trail in 2021.

After successfully securing the sculpture at auction, a project was undertaken on behalf of the community by Portsoy 75 Club, led by members Myles Murray and Vivien Rae, to secure a space for the permanent placement of the lighthouse by the town’s New Harbour.

Planning permission for the development was secured, and money raised through funding bids and donations made by local businesses and organisations to permanently showcase the lighthouse, which was created by professional mosaic artist Rachel Davies and titled Riding Out The Storm.

Funds were awarded from Aberdeenshire Council’s Coastal Communities Challenge Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, and the Gordon & Ena Baxter Foundation to support the project.  Additional donations made by the local community, Portsoy 75 Club, Portsoy Thrift Shop, Hamlyns of Scotland, CMD Stone, and Keith Simpson Builders, financed the completion of the development.

Members of the local community gathered for the recent unveiling ceremony, enjoying entertainment from piper Lucas McIntosh from Portsoy Pipe Band, the Portsoy 75 Club choir, and performance of a tune composed especially for the lighthouse by Paulina Honig, who played it on the day accompanied by Jim Paterson.

Brian Sutherland, former Portsoy 75 Club Chairman and active supporter of the project from the early stages, performed the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially unveil the lighthouse.

Reflecting on the project, Myles Murray, project co-lead, said, “The people of Portsoy immediately fell in love with this beautiful lighthouse and all it symbolises. A significant community effort in the early stages kick started a project which we are proud and delighted to have helped shape and deliver, and which has resulted in the addition of a fantastic new asset to Portsoy’s landscape.”

Vivien Rae added, “Our sincere thanks go to every person who contributed their skills, expertise and time to the project, and to the funders and donors who made the project possible. This fantastic collaborative effort has created a greatly admired landmark, which we hope will be enjoyed by many for years to come.”