I thought they had gennies

[sahona]

Lighthouses that is. I'm looking out at Arran and there's nowt there. Pillar Rock and pladda can't be seen and of course no cosy lights in the cottage windows.

I thought the lighthouses' standby generators would have kicked in automatically when the mains went off.
I admit it's a bit murky, but I would expect the odd flash now and then.

Had a quick Google and there isn't anything obvious, however I did notice this - - -

" The UKHO will determine the type of warning needed, the text, the broadcast system(s) to be used and the period of time over which a message needs to be broadcast.

Charges for warnings

The MCA will raise an invoice against the "causer" of the hazard to contribute toward the cost of broadcasting any necessary warnings. The fees currently charged for each transmission of a warning are 30p plus VAT per word for RT voice broadcasts by HM Coastguard Radio and 8p plus VAT per word for NAVTEX broadcasts. "

Maybe we can't afford the cost of a safety message or a gallon or two of diesel for the genny...?

[Booby Trapper]

They probably would have but may have ran out of fuel by now.

[sahona]

The ferry is (are) still running...

[mm5aho]

I noted in the last few years that Hyskeir (near Canna) has active generators, as has Skerryvore (near Tiree). But these probably do not have cabled power supplies to them, so local generatioj is probably the only supply.

Barns Ness (now deactivated) light (near Torness), used to have a diesel generator. I know that one inimately, it is now sitting in my shed at home! (there's a story there)

I think all formerly manned lighthouses had a generator as backup, but with conversion to LED technology, the demanning, etc the demand must be tiny compared to previously, so PV/battery systems are not possibly adequate?

[sahona]

Had another look last night, Pladda was flashing but couldn't see anything from Holy Isle (but there were fishing boats possibly overcrowding it)
The sort of damage to pylons etc can be seen at the end of this http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-21927393 and people really are suffering for what seems to be a protracted time.

[lady_stormrider]

What would the latest Admiralty Chart give as the maximum distance the light would be visible? If they have swopped to LED is the distance visible the same? I know it's a different wavelength.

Also was one of those intermittent snow showers (such as the one falling on me in Leeds at the moment) affecting visibility?

[sahona]

I don't think they would change it to LED - it's a real sweeper. The LED ones seem to be smaller, shorter range.
I still haven't seen Holy Isle, but Pladda (sweep) and Lady Isle (LED) are perfectly visible.
Nothing refers on Google, will firkle further . should I dial 999 and ask for Clyde Coastguard?