Iconic Loch Ness Building Restored

An iconic building on the shores of Loch Ness has been given a new lease of life.

Bona Lighthouse is now being reopened after a £500,000 upgrade.

It was designed in 1815 by Caledonian Canal engineer Thomas Telford.

It was the smallest manned inland lighthouse in Britain, guiding vessels between the waters of Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal.

The seen the Category B listed building has now been transformed as two luxury holiday cottages.

Derek Mackay, Minister for Transport and the Islands said: “The Scottish Government welcomes the completion of the Bona Lighthouse refurbishment which brings this historic building back into public use and will generate additional income for Scottish Canals.

“Scottish Canals’ investment, together with support from Historic Scotland, has ensured the long term future of this important heritage asset.

"Projects such as this are an ideal way to preserve and maintain such unique assets for future generations.”

Andrew Thin, Chair of Scottish Canals, said: “Bona Lighthouse is a vital part of the rich history of the Caledonian Canal and we’re delighted to mark its official reopening today, just in time for the 200th anniversary of its construction. “Creating holiday homes in this iconic location will provide a boost to the tourism of the Highlands, offering visitors breathtaking views of Loch Ness and providing a sustainable future for a building steeped in history.

"Bona is a fantastic addition to our Canalside Cottages portfolio and is one of many projects we’re undertaking in order to become more financially sustainable. “Thanks to the support of our partners, this project will safeguard the heritage of one of the Caledonian Canal’s most iconic buildings and ensure Bona Lighthouse can be enjoyed by the public well past its 200th birthday.”

Shelagh Thorne, Project Manager at Historic Scotland, said: “We were very pleased to be able to assist Scottish Canals with the repair and redevelopment of Bona Lighthouse.

"This is an unusual building, designed by Thomas Telford, which was originally the canal lighthouse keeper’s accommodation and the property had lain redundant for some time and was classed as ‘at risk.’

“The conversion of the building to form holiday lets demonstrates the innovative future uses that can be found for such buildings and, in this case, it will encourage local tourism and provide related economic benefits.

"This is one of many local projects that Historic Scotland has been in a position to assist through grants, with the investment allowing many buildings that currently lie derelict or unused to be given a new lease of life and to again play an active role in their local communities.”