![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8m2iu5ojiThIjNrcWkhnBNOcuOU6_00WjLEXQvGkBUIvsve7wKbOjP32_iDrFh7mtMnDmckH6ExXq2ZBLN9lxePiXqcGJjb31v5nU_EhEWiz5X5d804VOqSDTvIec5HESe7RKXEn6eDb/s400/D34-E-5-7.jpg)
In 2006, Orkney appeared on the BBC series Restoration. The North Ronaldsay 'Old Beacon' lighthouse was featured alongside several other old, derelict buildings which required titivation.
A public vote relegated the Old Beacon to third place. There would be no restoration.
Orkney was awash with grief. Citizens sank to their knees in the streets; tearing their hair out, beating their breasts and shouting 'Why, British public, WHY?' The mere mention or sight of Griff Rhys Jones made grown men weep.
We all feel a bit silly now as it has just been announced that the winning building did not need all the money that was raised and that North Ronaldsay's entry shall receive £50,000 pounds. Hooray!
The image shown above is a plan of the proposed site for the lighthouse which replaced the Old Beacon when it was discovered that it ...er... didn't work.
Archive reference: D34/E/5/7