Scottish Blog

1772-1850

Robert Stevenson was a famous Scottish civil engineer, most famous for his work on the Bell Rock Lighthouse.

In the present day, Robert Stevenson s best known for his efforts in erecting the Bell Rock Lighthouse, which many consider a true symbol of Scottish engineering and certainly a national heirloom.

Robert Stevenson was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 8th of June 1772. His father died when Robert Stevenson was an infant, as did his uncle. This left the remnants of the family in a poor financial situation, as a result Robert Stevenson was sent to a charity for his studies. His mother intended for Robert Stevenson to study theology and join the clergy, but whether because of lack of interest or as a matter of circumstance, Robert Stevenson left his studies after 15 years and joined his mother’s new husband, Thomas Smith, as his assistant in the field of lamp making. This lead Robert Stevenson down his future career path of engineering, as it was said that Thomas Smith was a very talented mechanic and engineer.

At the age of 19, Robert Stevenson was entrusted with overseeing the construction of a lighthouse on Little Cumbrae. It was said that after this project, Robert Stevenson became devoted to the idea of becoming a civil engineer. He attended many lecturers on relevant subjects but his lack of skill in Latin and no knowledge of Greek prevented him from attaining a degree.

Robert Stevenson’s lack of degree was outweighed by his experience and knowledge. AS a testament to this, Robert Stevenson was appointed as an engineer of the Lighthouse Board. This led him to his most important project, the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse. He stayed on the Lighthouse Board position until 1843. He is credited with designing and improving numerous lighthouses in that time period.

His main attributions consist of fifteen lighthouses, five bridges and one commemorative Column. These are the:

• Bell Rock Lighthouse
• Isle of May
• Corsewall
• Point of Ayre
• Calf of Man
• Sumburgh Head
• Rinns of Islay
• Buchan Ness
• Cape Wrath
• Tarbat Ness
• Mull of Galloway
• Dunnet Head
• Girdle Ness
• Barra Head
• Lismore
• Annan Bridge
• Hutcheson Bridge
• Marykirk Bridge
• The Melville Column
• Regent Bridge
• Stirling New Bridge

See also: Famous Scots.