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Aerial Photo Marinas.com (more images available) A bill was passed in Parliament in 1815 to erect a Lighthouse on the Isle of Man, at Point of Ayre. It's position was selected to make the west coast channel completely safe for shipping. Because of other build commitments at the time loans had to be obtained in order to build it and for this reason construction was slow. It was also further delayed as the position of the light had to be altered from the original plan because it was found that the coast was eroding at a rate of 7ft per year. It's 70ft tower was eventually completed and became operational in 1818. The main light at Point of Ayre was established in 1818, but some 70 years later it was found necessary to build an additional small light tower some 250 yards seaward from the main tower. However due to continuous gravel build-up, this tower had to move a further 250ft seaward in 1951, and now stands out on the gravel bank. This light is referred to as The Winkie. In favourable wind conditions, it's fog horn can be heard at the Mull of Galloway, 26 miles away. It became automated in 1993. Thirteen selected lighthouses, of which Point of Ayre is one, send regular reports to the Met Office as many of the stations are vanguards to the Atlantic weather system. Three hourly reports are submitted to the Met Office at Ronaldsway, and these are incorporated in the international broadcasts.
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