Message in a Bottle Discovered at Corsewall Lighthouse After 132 Years

In a remarkable discovery that has captured the imagination of many, engineers have unearthed a bottle containing a message that dates back 132 years. This extraordinary find occurred within the walls of the Corsewall Lighthouse, located at the northernmost point of the Rhins of Galloway in southern Scotland. The bottle is believed to be the first of its kind ever found in a lighthouse in Scotland, making this event a truly unique moment in history.

The message, penned with a quill and ink on September 4, 1892, reveals the names of three engineers who were responsible for installing a new type of light in the lighthouse's towering 100-foot structure. Additionally, the letter includes the names of the lighthouse's three keepers, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The bottle, measuring 8 inches (20 cm) in height, was discovered by Ross Russell, a mechanical engineer from the Northern Lighthouse Board, during a routine inspection. While inspecting the lighthouse, he noticed the bottle hidden behind panels in a cupboard, but it was positioned in such a way that it was out of reach. To retrieve it, the team ingeniously crafted a tool using a rope and a broom handle.

Before opening the bottle, the team decided to wait for Barry Miller, the retained lighthouse keeper, to arrive. Miller expressed his gratitude for their patience, stating, "My goodness am I grateful for them doing that." The bottle itself features a unique convex base, preventing it from standing upright, and is made of coarse glass filled with tiny air bubbles, suggesting it may have once contained oil.

Upon closer inspection, the cork stopper had expanded over the years, becoming stuck to the glass, while the wire that held it in place had rusted away. The team had to carefully cut the top off the cork and drill it out to access the note inside. Initially, the note appeared too large to be pulled through the neck of the bottle, prompting the engineers to devise a clever tool using two pieces of cable to twist it through the narrow opening.

When Dr. Miller finally opened the bottle, he described the experience as exhilarating, saying, "It was so exciting, it was like meeting our colleagues from the past. It was actually like them being there." He expressed the emotional connection he felt, as if they were all sharing in the moment together, thanks to the tangible evidence of their work.

This discovery not only sheds light on the history of the lighthouse and its keepers but also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of those who came before us. The message in the bottle is a bridge connecting the past to the present, allowing us to reflect on the lives and contributions of individuals who played a vital role in maritime history. As we continue to explore and uncover hidden treasures from our past, we are reminded of the stories that lie within the walls of our historical landmarks, waiting to be discovered.