Lafarge has paid more than UK£100,000 for a redundant East Lothian lighthouse put up for sale at the end of last year. The has its Dunbar factory on neighbouring land. The 40m-high Barns Ness lighthouse had marked the southern approach to the Firth of Forth for more than 100 years. Lafarge spokesman Chris Ettery said the company had no special plans for the lighthouse, but it would be properly maintained. Mr Ettery added: "We already own the former keepers’ cottages beside it, which are currently rented out." Ten potential buyers made offers for the lighthouse, which was owned by the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB).

Built by David A Stevenson, the 169-step tower was constructed of stone from the Craigree and Barnton quarries, the NLB said on its website. Until 1966, the lighthouse was staffed by two lightkeepers and was then reduced to one when the light was converted to semi-automatic operation. A sealed beam light replaced the old mantle and paraffin-operated light until Barns Ness became fully automated in 1986. It was taken out of service last year.