Moray’s Olympic golden girl has bestowed a shining legacy to her hometown, following the news a lighthouse illuminated in her honour will be lit up all year round.
Lossiemouth residents welcomed double Olympic rowing champion, Heather Stanning, back from the Rio Games last year by bathing the 19th century Covesea lighthouse in gold.
And the tribute proved so popular with locals the team responsible for it decided to light the beacon permanently.
The Covesea Lighthouse Community Company Ltd secured almost £5,000 from Moray Council to cover extra lights, equipment and installation costs.
Since Christmas, the ancient structure has been aglow with alternating colours from 5pm onwards every night.
Residents have gathered at the West Beach every evening to watch as the tower casts shimmering reflections across the Moray Firth.
Moray College engineering lecturer, Graham Kilpatrick, is a director of the Covesea group and has helmed the project alongside electrician, Derek White.
Mr Kilpatrick explained the idea had been discussed, prior to Ms Stanning’s homecoming – but that her success provided the vital spark in bringing it to life.
He said: “We had such positive feedback from that occasion that we decided to build on it.
“We bought four lights to surround the tower, and researched how best to permanently illuminate it.
“We managed to programme one light to work over Christmas, but still have the other three we are working on.
“The lights are the type you would get at outdoor concerts, and are capable of creating silhouettes, patterns and strobing.
“We are just happy that this helps promote the lighthouse.”
The trust will meet next week to discuss how to take its plans forward.
Lossiemouth Community Council chairman, Mike Mulholland, is hoping to stage a public celebration once all four lights are in place and functioning.
The cash for the lighting scheme came from the local authority’s Moray Town Partnership, which was established in 2009 to help develop Buckie, Forres, Keith and Lossiemouth.
Heldon and Laich councillor, John Cowe, said people had been visiting the town specifically to see the shining beacon.
He added: “The volunteers who have worked on this should be commended, the lighthouse can now be seen from miles away and is already becoming a great attraction.”
