28 June 2007

THE NORTHERN Lighthouse Board's new ship Pharos will be visiting Shetland next week for an open day when islanders are invited to come along and inspect the vessel.

The ship was launched into service last month by the Princess Royal, in a ceremony overseen by the board's new chairman, former Sullom Voe harbour master Captain George Sutherland.

The Leith-registered boat has already helped with work on the board's most southerly light, Chicken Rock, and aided navigation trials for decommissioned rigs in Norway.

She has already had one unscheduled visit to Lerwick and will now return for a full public viewing on 6 July, between 9am and 4pm.