Limekilns Heritage Trust

Limekilns Pier Beacon Way FAQ’s

What is the Beacon Way?

Beacon Way is the name given by the Limekilns Heritage Trust (LHT) to a proposed path 30m x 2m laid with engraved Caithness stone setts. It would run parallel to the shelter wall and lie about half way between the wall and the pier edge on the East side.

What is the Limekilns Heritage Trust?

Limekilns Heritage Trust SCIO, Scottish charity no SC047075, was set up with the aim of developing the potential of local heritage, initially concentrating on Limekilns Pier to safeguard and restore it to enable both locals and visitors to enjoy it fully and safely, now and long into the future.

Why should I give?

Your donation will help to raise funds to restore this much-loved pier.

How can I give?

We welcome any size of donation at any time, which you can do either:
by direct donation to LHT, or donating through www.justgiving.com (there is a link on our own website) or by dropping your spare cash into our collecting cans in local pubs and shops.
However, if you wish to donate to the Beacon Way project, you will find full details on the internet through our website link or the QR code in our publicity.

What happens to the money raised?

100% of donations will go towards restoration of the pier, unless, of course, you qualify for recognition of your donation with an engraved stone. In this case the cost of providing and laying your engraved stone will be funded from the donations received.

Is the whole pier being restored?

Not at present: our immediate objective is to repair the collapsed end of the pier. This will help stem the erosion of the corner of the pier facing the prevailing wind and waves. Once this has been accomplished, we will be looking to raise further funds to repair and upgrade the rest of the pier, eventually making it user-friendly for all.

When will the laying of the path happen?

This will depend on the popularity of our project, but we hope that phase 1, a 3m x2m section, will be laid late summer 22. There is a 12-week turn-around between ordering and delivery of the stone setts.

Who will lay the path?

We will be employing an experienced contractor to do this.

Where is the stone from?

The stone is Caithness stone, the same stone used for the engraved paving at, for example, the Culloden Visitor Centre, Inverness.

Who is engraving it?

The company is called Fundraising Engraving.

Why use this company?

The person who will engrave them has had considerable experience with the engraving of the Culloden stones for the National Trust for Scotland and has been providing similar stones for other charitable projects.

Will the wooden benches be affected?

The seats themselves will not be affected. We envisage that the level surface that the path will provide will make it easier for disabled people to access the benches on the more popular East side of the wall. The path will be sufficiently far from the benches to avoid disturbing the occupiers to any great extent.

Will the stones last?

These will be the same quality of stones as used at the Culloden Visitor Centre where many thousands have passed over the path with very little wear.

Why is Broomhall Estate not repairing the pier?

Although the Estate own the pier, they did not build it or use it as a commercial asset. We presume that ownership passed to the Estate by default when the owners stopped trading and abandoned it. The Estate gains no income from the pier and has no obligation to maintain it. They have, however, been supportive of our efforts to restore it.

Is Broomhall Estate helping in any way?

They have offered our charity a peppercorn lease to restore and maintain the pier to the best of our ability for the benefit of the community.

Can Gift aid be applied to the donations?

We will apply for Gift Aid where appropriate.

Will large boats be able to moor alongside after the work and are they interested in doing this?

We have spoken to the two local tour companies operating from Queensferry and they would both like to utilise the pier for their tours and special events.

What is the cost of repairing the pier?

We hope to be able to stabilise and repair the corner of the pier for under £100k.

Why and when was the Pier built?

The Pier was built by the Halkett family in the 18th century for the export of coal to The Lowlands. Further information can be found on the website

Who can make donations to have stones engraved on the Beacon Way?

Any reputable person, group or company with a connection with the local villages, either now or in the past, or visitors who come to enjoy the atmosphere. Legally, the trustees must retain discretion over acceptance of donations and proposed wording on stones.

Can others supply stones to be laid?

We are not able to accept other stones. Our planning permission and listed property consent are based on the exact specification of stones we propose. There is the additional problem of differing materials leading to uneven wear and difficulties in maintenance. The different appearance of a non-standard stone would also draw attention, which may detract from other stones in that area.

Are all the stones the same?

They are all quarried from the same source but as this is a natural product there will be slight differences from stone to stone. Various sizes will be available.

Can an organisation/company have their own logo?

We will be actively encouraging logos and badges but will retain the right to check any designs and the wording.

Can people have their stones next to say a club centre stone?

We will be actively encouraging organisations and companies to participate. Our communities have a great tradition of proud and supportive clubs and other organisations. One way of members to show their support, for example, might be for them to order a central ‘club’ stone with, say, a badge or logo and short history. Surrounding stones could be sponsored by individual members or commemorate past ones, with an appropriate message.

Can we choose where stones will go in the path?

Yes, within reason. We are willing to consider any proposal you may put forward, but the final decision must always remain with our trustees.

Would we own the stone? Would we be responsible for it in any way after it’s installed?

Donors are not buying the stones as such. The stones are engraved by LHT as an acknowledgement of a certain level of donation. Legally, the path will become part of the pier, will be maintained as such, and individual stones cannot become the property of the person making the donation, even if, for example, the path had to be removed for any reason (which we don’t envisage).

Can we get an idea of how the stones would look?

Examples of stones of different sizes, wording and sample logos are on public display.