Lunch at lighthouse as Thurso primary pupils visit Dunnet Head
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Pupils from a Thurso primary school emulated the main character from a popular series of children's books when they had lunch at a lighthouse.
The primary two class at Mount Pleasant were keen to visit a lighthouse after reading the Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch stories by Ronda and David Armitage.
Responding to a request from principal P2 teacher Jennifer Gordon to visit Dunnet Head lighthouse, owners Keith and Angela Nicholson suggested the children not only visit but actually have lunch there.
The outing to the most northerly point on the UK mainland was the first day trip for the pupils following lockdown.
They stopped off at Brough Bay to see the lighthouse store and watch the seals before continuing to Dunnet Head.
Keith took the youngsters to the old engine room and told them about the lighthouse and its history. He described the great early 20th-century storm that caused a section of the cliff to collapse, sending the first fog siren tower into the sea.
He also showed them a rare Northern Lighthouse Board cap badge and button that Angela had collected. Then it was time for lunch.
Keith said they were thrilled to welcome the group.
“It was great being able to give the children an experience," he said. "To see their excitement and know that they were enjoying the visit was very rewarding.
“When we bought the lighthouse we had always planned the old engine room to be used for charity fundraising and community events. Lockdown delayed our plans, so this was the first opportunity to share our love of the place and fulfil our ambition.”
Afterwards the pupils wrote thank-you letters, each of which contained a drawing. Angela said: “It was wonderful to receive these. It was most unexpected and added to our pleasure in having the class visit."
