In 1802 Mr. Stevenson sailed on his annual voyage of inspection to the Northern Lighthouses, carrying with him a foreman and sixteen artificers to commence the works on Start Point. It was the month of April, but, even at this advanced period of the season, the Orkney Islands were found covered to the depth of six inches with snow. Operations were commenced, however, without a day’s delay: a sandstone quarry was opened on the adjacent island of Edda; and by the middle of May sufficient materials were collected for the commencement of the edifice. The foundation-stone was laid, with masonic ceremonies, on the 15th of May, when an address was delivered by Mr. Traill, the minister of the parish, some portions of which may be preserved in these pages:— “The moment is auspicious. The foundation-stone is laid of a building of incalculable value;—a work of use, not of luxury. Pyramids were erected by the pride of kings to perpetuate the memory of men whose ambition enslaved and desolated the world. But it is the benevolent intention of our Government on this spot to erect a tower—not to exhaust, but—to increase the wealth and protect the commerce of this happy kingdom.... “Consider the great national objects for which this building will be erected. To protect commerce, and to guard the lives of those intrepid men who for us cheerfully brave the fury of the waves and the rage of the battle. The mariner, when he returns to the embraces of his wife and children, after ascribing praise to the great Giver of safety, shall bless the friendly light which guided him over the deep, and recommend to the protection of Heaven those who urged, who planned, and who executed the work. This day shall be remembered with gratitude. It shall be recorded that, at the beginning of a new century, the pious care of Government was extended to this remote island. These rocks, so fatal to the most brave and honourable part of the community, shall lose their terror, and safety and life shall spring from danger and death.”[32] [32] Stevenson, “Account of the Bell Rock Lighthouse,” p. 23. * * * * * By steadily prosecuting the works throughout the summer, they were brought to a fortunate completion in the month of September. The beacon rose to a height of 100 feet, and terminated with a massive ball of masonry, measuring fifteen feet in circumference. * * * * * It was found, however, that the construction of this beacon did not prevent the occurrence of frequent wrecks upon the island. It was proverbial with its inhabitants to observe, that if wrecks were to happen, they might as well be sent to the poor island of Sanday as anywhere else. In fact, the inhabitants of this and the neighbouring islands lived upon the proceeds of their wreckage, and melancholy remains of many a “tall ship” met the eye in every direction.