Light Pollution | Cromarty Harbour 1

Colin Dunn

2005

Cromarty Harbour 1 - dazzling floodlights

This photograph was taken late Spring 2005, prior to the siting of additional asymmetric floodlights to the East side of the harbour in order to protect the boat storage compound from vandals (they didn't. It was broken into within 2 weeks of the lights being fitted). The floodlights shown here are not asymmetric fittings, unfortunately, and are tilted at up to 70 degrees in a vain attempt to project light further. The tilt fails to achieve this, but does succeed in maximising glare and dazzle across the harbour. A polite letter has been sent to the Cromarty Harbour Trust requesting replacement with correctly mounted asymmetric fittings, or at least adjustment to the existing fittings to reduce glare. It is probable that the glare created by these, and the nearby incorrectly tilted asymmetric floodlights (70 degrees instead of max 15 degrees), are creating a safety hazard, as berthing yachts and fishing craft are dazzled. There may be insurance ramifications involved.
Picture Added on 08 April 2005.

Comments

The oil rigs being stored in the firth in the background are entirely typical of oil installations worldwide, but fortunately most of them are well away from land, so less likely to cause problems.

picture #36 will give you a surprising view.
Added by Garve Scott-Lodge on 08 October 2005.

Unfortunately, there's much evidence that badly oriented lights on shipping and oil rigs can cause serious problems at night for migrating and feeding birds - some repeatedly circling the artificial 'moon' that they are navigating by, until dropping into the sea from exhaustion. Even in remote areas, it's wise to direct light well and efficiently to reduce energy and light pollution to the minimum.
Added by Colin on 08 October 2005.

UPDATE:
In response to my request that these light be angled downwards, Cromarty Harbour Trust adjusted these symmetric floodlights late 2006 to a lower angle (around 45 degrees), so reducing light pollution and glare a little. Thank you Harbour Trust.

Realistically, however, these light fittings are not really suitable for this use. Asymmetric fittings would be better, and best of all would be standard asymmetric street light fittings on the existing poles. Mount them high, shine them down, and this will provide better, safer lighting and significantly reduce energy usage too.
Added by Colin Dunn on 27 March 2007.