Welcome to the exciting news that should have everyone buzzing in Dundee! Brace yourselves for a breath taking green revolution as the legendary Eden Project is set to bloom in our beloved city. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of awe-inspiring beauty, innovation, and endless possibilities!
The arrival of the Eden Project is an absolute game-changer for Dundee. This ground breaking project will not only rejuvenate our city's landscape but also inject a much-needed dose of vitality into our economy. Picture this: tourists flocking from far and wide, enchanted by the architectural marvels and vibrant ecosystems that will flourish within its stunning biomes. Dundee's coffers will overflow as local businesses thrive from the influx of visitors and eager green thumbs alike.
Financial benefits aside, the Eden Project will breathe life into Dundee's cultural scene like never before. Imagine strolling through lush gardens, indulging in a sensory journey that transports you to the farthest corners of the Earth. You'll encounter exotic flora and fauna, unlocking secrets of distant lands without even leaving Dundee's embrace. As cultural exchange becomes the norm, locals and tourists alike will revel in the rich tapestry of diversity, connecting people from all walks of life.
But the magic doesn't stop there! The Eden Project will nurture the next generation of environmental enthusiasts and budding scientists. Schools and universities will collaborate with the project, cultivating a love for nature and inspiring a new wave of eco-warriors. From educational programs to interactive exhibits, Dundee's youth will flourish in a world where sustainability takes centre stage.
So, mark your calendars, Dundonians! The Eden Project's arrival is a monumental event that promises a greener, brighter future for our beloved city. Get ready to witness the metamorphosis of Dundee into an environmental hub, brimming with vitality, creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Let's join hands, embrace change, and welcome the Eden Project with open arms. Together, we'll create a bloomin' marvellous city that leaves the world green with envy

​Following our recent blog on the Larick Beacon (or 'The Pile' as many know it) we've been contacted by the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. They've managed to find some records of the beacon and have been kind enough to send them over to us. The records paint a picture of the day to day running of what was an essential element in an Estuary with strong currents and dangerous tides. I'm sure we've all looked out over the Tay at low tide and wondered why more boats don't end up in trouble stranded on the huge sandbanks that appear twice daily. Nowadays its mainly down to GPS and other electronic trickery but 150 years ago the beacons and lighthouses were essential features. This came at a cost for some though. 

​The smalls lighthouse above is a very similar construction. It shows the octagonal living quarters below the beacon itself. The keepers shifts lasted roughly 14 days. Yes that's 14 days and nights at a time before being swapped out by the alternate shift. I worked offshore and that seems ok  but somehow being 500mtr from shore seems different. I assume that wood for the Beacon and provisions were brought over regularly. One of the first keepers were a Mr and Mrs Ireland who alternated with an N.Barron and co-worker of the same name. Presumably a father and son team or perhaps cousins.

The Larick Beacon as its shown on admiralty charts (known locally at 'The Pile Lighthouse') makes for some stunning photography. Set 1/3 of a mile Northeast of Tayport waterfront on the South side of the Tay Estuary it is only accessible by boat. Most lighthouse sources have 1845 as its construction date but the British Listed Buildings index has it built in "1848 probably by James Leslie". James Leslie was a Civil engineer who started out with the Dundee water company and worked on many of the piers and harbours of the East coast. As a departure from his usual marine projects he was also the engineer on the now very sorry looking 'Dundee Customs House' next to City Quay. Seen looking a little grander here. 

​The Larick Beacon, inactive since about 1960 is a 16 m (52 ft) tower, with a lantern atop an octagonal wood keeper's quarters, mounted on wood pilings. The resident Gulls have the main claim on it now and have raised the floor level inside by about a foot with 50 years of droppings. Its known as the pile due to its unique construction method of driving screwed piles into sandy or muddy sea bottoms. Below is the Maplin Sands Lighthouse constructed on the Thames in 1838 but undermined and swept away in 1932. It It was the first built using the technique and was pioneered by blind Irish engineer Alexander Mitchell. 

​As it was 'only' 50 odd years ago this was in service does anyone have any memories of it as a child or heard stories about it? There's very little info on the internet and it would be great to get something on record. Post your Images.

We'd love to hear what you know about it!