Skerryvore Lighthouse

An sgeir mhòr – the great rock stands In mid-Atlantic far from shore. It’s claimed the lives of many hands From sailing vessels by the score. And how the winds and waves did roar Around the rock of Skerryvore. There came a man called Stevenson?, From watery grave brave souls to save, To build a lighthouse, he’s the one, Long battling with wind and wave. And how the winds and waves did roar Around the rock of Skerryvore. With granite from the Ross of Mull He manufactured giant blocks, Transported them when storms would lull To land them on the murderous rocks. And still the winds and waves do roar Around the rock of Skerryvore. His team worked hard in every weather Assembling blocks, dressed to perfection; With dovetailed joint they locked together – Precisely engineered, each section. And still the winds and waves do roar Around the rock of Skerryvore. For thirty months o’er six long years They laboured seventeen hours a day, With common aim and conquered fears And mainland safety far away. All day the winds and waves would roar Around the rock of Skerryvore.