Eilean Ban Timeline Print

1857
Lighthouse, built by the Stevenson's and fuelled by Sperm whale oil, completed on Eilean Bàn.


1898
Lighthouse converted to run on paraffin.


1960
Lighthouse automation ends the need for Keepers to live on island.


1963
Maxwell buys the Lighthouse cottages.


1968
January, Maxwell comes to live on the island permanently.


1969
September, Maxwell dies.


1992
Construction of Skye road bridge begins.


1995
Completion of the bridge on 16th October.


1998
Eilean Bàn Trust formed in partnership with Born Free Foundation.


2003
Bright Water Centre awarded 3* tourist attraction rating.


2004
December 21st, Skye bridge brought back under public ownership and bridge tolls removed.


2006
January 25th, John MacRae, founding member and former chairman of the Eilean Bàn Trust, died of a heart attack.


2011
January 19th, Ownership of the Stevenson Lighthouse transferred to the Eilean Bàn Trust.


2012
September 28th, Owenership of the island transferred from Transport Scotland to Forestry Commission Scotland.