Major refurbishment works at the Signal Tower Museum in Arbroath are now complete.

The keys of the building were handed back to Angus Council’s Neighbourhood Services department by the contractor Muirfield Contracts Ltd following the completion of their part of the £425,000 refurbishment.

The council will now begin the process of fitting out the museum with exhibits, both new and old, and it is anticipated that the museum will be re-opened to the public by early summer.

Convener of Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Jim Millar said: “I am delighted that the refurbishment work is completed. All of the work on the refurbished museum is an integral part of a year- long celebration in Arbroath of the 200 year celebration of the life saving Bell Rock Lighthouse.

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“The Bell Rock Lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson between 1807 and 1811, the light first shone on the 1 February 1811. It is the oldest sea-washed lighthouse and is one of the seven wonders of the modern world."

He added: “During the Year of the Light, Angus Council is undertaking a full re-display of the Signal Tower Museum to celebrate the building’s link with the Bell Rock Lighthouse and Arbroath’s maritime heritage.”

Year of the Light, organised by the people and communities of Arbroath to celebrate the lighthouse, officially starts on 1 February , exactly 200 years after the Bell Rock Lighthouse first shone out across the North Sea. Events will include a spectacular firework display, a special service in memory of all those who have lost their lives on the Bell Rock, a yacht regatta, boat trips around the Bell Rock and a selection of concerts, music and talks.

(GK)