In the Report dated 23d December 1800, on the subject of the Bell Rock, the Reporter explained his reasons for laying aside the plan of a cast-iron Light-house, and, after what has since been stated in Mr Rennie’s report 30th December 1805, it is unnecessary for him to enter again upon that subject, especially as it has been fixed that the building is to be of stone. The matter which he, therefore, now submits to the consideration of the Board, is, the quarry or quarries from which these materials should be taken. It is to be regretted, that the extensive quarries in the neighbourhood of Arbroath are not of so durable a nature as to render them fit for outside work. On his way from Fraserburgh lately, he passed through Aberdeen, Arbroath, and Dundee, and, in addition to former inquiries, brought with him a note of prices, and specimens of the stone of the quarries of these places. Upon the whole, there seems to be objection to the use of best Arbroath or Red Head stone, for the hearting or inside-work, which may be had for 9s. 4d. per ton. The Mylnefield or Dundee stone at 25s., but for the granite, of the sizes wanted, no price could be quoted. Stone is the principal material that requires consideration. As for lime, we have an extensive choice in this country, and nothing can perhaps answer the purpose better for securing the outside joints than Parker’s cement. The Reporter has a specimen of Aberthaw lime, which Mr Smeaton used with so much advantage; it would be no difficult matter to get a cargo of it, which would be sufficient for the whole building.
With regard to the Lantern, and other parts of the building which require to be of metal, without entering into particulars, they will no doubt fall to be made of copper, at least such parts as are more particularly exposed to the action of the air or water. As to the nature of the Light itself, there may be some improvements and alterations upon the present system, before the building is completed; but, after erecting such a fabric as will be necessary at the Bell Rock, no pains will of course be spared upon so essential a part as the quality or description of Light to be exhibited.
Supposing the work to commence in the Spring of the year 1807, it is already time that the store-vessel were in preparation, and the necessary arrangements made for fitting her up as a Floating-light, that the collection of the duties may commence; and, when got to her moorings, the workmen may begin to the temporary residence or beacon, and prepare the rock for the building, which would form the primary operations, and occupy the first Summer. If the beams are found to withstand the storms of winter, the upper part can then be covered in as a residence for the artificers in 1808; and, at all events, be habitable for the Summer of 1809. While these measures are carrying forward, and the site of the building is in progress, the lower course of stones will be in preparation on shore. The place which the Reporter would propose for carrying on these works is Arbroath, as the port most contiguous to the Rock, being situate at the northern side of that range of coast which forms St Andrew’s Bay, in which the Bell Rock holds a centrical situation. A passage may be made from Arbroath to the Rock with much more regularity than from the Tay. On the southern side of this great Bay, there is no convenient harbour between the Tay and Fifeness. The stones, being transported from Mylnefield and Aberdeen, would be hewn at Arbroath, and after being laid and marked upon a platform, course by course, would then be shipped for the Rock.
It is unnecessary at this time to enter further into particulars. When the dimensions of the building are finally arranged, it will then be proper to enter into contracts for the materials, and shipping for conveying them, and to provide implements and artificers for the work.
(Signed) Robert Stevenson.
To the Honourable the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses.