Volume 3 - Electric Scotland

SCALPA. 29.3
Loch Seafoith forms a very long, sinuous, indentation,
extending twelve miles inland, and reaching so near to
Loch Kenhulavig, which is the last bay in Loch Beruera,
as nearly to intersect the island. Loch Luerbost, which
is somewhat picturesque, from its containing islands,
nearly meets the same eastern waters. The former coin-
cides with Loch Trolamarig, and is not unpicturesque at
the entrance ; as the mountains of the interior begin now
to take a share in the back grounds.
We paid a visit to the lighthouse on Scalpa, which,
from economy, or some other motives, probably much
better known to you than me, is the only one throughout
all the circuit of the Western Isles. Not that it is the
only one desired by seamen, as you have undoubtedly
heard quite as often as myself, and as many shipwrecks
testify. It is not for me, landsman as I am, to pretend to
have an opinion on such a subject, and least of all, before
a Commissioner like your Honour ; but my different cap-
tains were desirous of a light on the Rinns of Isia, of one
on Barra Head, and of another on the Butt of the Lewis,
at least, for the sake of ships arriving from the westward.
The multiplicity of harbours renders marks of this nature
less necessary in the inner channels, as vessels are not
there often compelled to keep the sea at night.
The economy of lights is among the most misplaced
of economies. Witness Orkney as an example : but I
need not tell you of the terrific Sanda; you have trans-
planted to it the light that stood on North Ronaldsha.
It was meant well, but the Orkney men have doubtless
told you that you ought to have preserved that one also
and that the evil is increased instead of being diminished.
The men of Shetland will also tell you that you have
built the light on Sumburgh Head, too high : it will be
invisible when it i^ most wanted. That light should
have been on Mousf^a, and there should have been another
;