From the situation and circumstances attending the Bell Rock, it may well be supposed, that this dangerous sunken reef was found to be either the direct or ultimate cause, in many cases of shipwreck upon the eastern coast of Great Britain, and as such, every scheme which had for its object the fixing of some distinguishing mark upon it, was regarded as a matter of public interest, claiming a degree of attention proportionate to its apparent practicability and usefulness. The traditionary story of the Bell said to have been erected by the Abbots of Aberbrothock upon this rock may, perhaps, have given rise to many plans of this nature. But, on account of the limited advantages which must have attended any erection merely in the form of a beacon, without a light, upon a sunken rock, at so great a distance from land,--none of the many proposals of this kind which were from time to time suggested, ever met with the serious attention of the public. It was evident, that nothing but a light-house could not be essentially useful, and that all temporary erections in a situation of this kind were to be avoided.
The following letter from Sir Alexander Cochrane, while stationed on the eastern coast in the year 1793, is particularly deserving of a place in this work, as well from being the first official application made to the Commissioners on the subject of the Bell Rock, as on account of that officer’s great experience in nautical affairs, and the clear and decided manner in which the advantages which would result from the erection of a light-house there, are pointed out.
“_On board his Majesty’s ship Hind, Leith Roads, January 7. 1793._ Gentlemen, I think it a duty I owe to the public, to call your attention, as Trustees for the Northern Lights, to the great hazard and peril that the trade of the east of Scotland is subject to, from the want of a light-house being erected on the Bell or Cape Rock, the only dangerous one upon this coast, from the Staples to Duncansbay-head, except the Carr, which lies so close to Fifeness and the Isle of May as to render it comparatively of less consequence.
“The situation of the Cape being about 12 miles from the nearest shore, bearing off the Redhead, by compass, S. ¾ W.--Taybar, SE. by E. ¼ E.--Fifeness, NE. by E.--Isle of May Light, NE. 17 miles, (consequently, too distant to be useful to shipping during the night); this rock is therefore placed in the most dangerous situation possible, for the trade of the Friths of Forth and Tay; the more so, from the prevailing winds on the coast, being from the W.NW. to SW., which occasion vessels bound inwards, to stretch across from shore to shore, that is, from the south to the north, or the opposite, according to their situations. This they can do in the day time; but at night, the danger of falling in with the Cape Rock, prevents them from standing to the northward of the Firth of Forth, and they are thereby prevented from taking the advantage of working up under the land in St Andrew’s Bay, by which they would get into smooth water, and avoid the heavy swell and gusts of wind that are always met with in the opening of this Firth .