From the situation and circumstances attending the Bell Rock, it may well be supposed, that this dangerous sunken reef was found to be either the direct or ultimate cause, in many cases of shipwreck upon the eastern coast of Great Britain, and as such, every scheme which had for its object the fixing of some distinguishing mark upon it, was regarded as a matter of public interest, claiming a degree of attention proportionate to its apparent practicability and usefulness. The traditionary story of the Bell said to have been erected by the Abbots of Aberbrothock upon this rock may, perhaps, have given rise to many plans of this nature. But, on account of the limited advantages which must have attended any erection merely in the form of a beacon, without a light, upon a sunken rock, at so great a distance from land,--none of the many proposals of this kind which were from time to time suggested, ever met with the serious attention of the public. It was evident, that nothing but a light-house could not be essentially useful, and that all temporary erections in a situation of this kind were to be avoided. [Sidenote: Sir Alex. Cochrane’s Letter.] The following letter from Sir Alexander Cochrane, while stationed on the eastern coast in the year 1793, is particularly deserving of a place in this work, as well from being the first official application made to the Commissioners on the subject of the Bell Rock, as on account of that officer’s great experience in nautical affairs, and the clear and decided manner in which the advantages which would result from the erection of a light-house there, are pointed out. “_On board his Majesty’s ship Hind, Leith Roads, January 7. 1793._ Gentlemen, I think it a duty I owe to the public, to call your attention, as Trustees for the Northern Lights, to the great hazard and peril that the trade of the east of Scotland is subject to, from the want of a light-house being erected on the Bell or Cape Rock, the only dangerous one upon this coast, from the Staples to Duncansbay-head, except the Carr, which lies so close to Fifeness and the Isle of May as to render it comparatively of less consequence.