Beating the Chill

One of the problems with operating an oil lamp in Scotland is the winter cold. This causes the oil to become more viscous, so it does not flow well, or wick properly.

Some oils are more problematic than others. Try putting some olive oil in a fridge; it turns to a white wax, which does not flow. Colza Oil (rape seed oil) does not turn waxy.

The solution was to suspend a small oil burner or “frost lamp” beneath the oil reservoir on the lamp.
This was lit about an hour before sunset to warm up the oil on a frosty night.

The frost lamp – highlighted

A supply of oil was held in an oil tank – just inside the door of the light tower.

The Oil Tank and Stove

A small wood-burning stove kept this supply warm. The flue pipe from the stove passes up the central column of the spiral staircase, and through the light-room.

The heat from this flue, and the lamp itself, kept the light room windows clear of condensation on chilly nights.