Beach combers in the Western Isles should keep their eyes peeled as they could be in line for a free holiday in an Irish lighthouse.

The staff at Fanad Lighthouse in Donegal have just launched 10 message bottles into the Atlantic, offering the finder the chance to stay at the lighthouse.

And the lighthouse team reckon the currents make the Outer Hebrides a prime location for their message in a bottle fleet to make landfall.

Their prediction is well supported by many objects from Ireland, in particular Donegal, washing up on the Uist shores, including a hurling ball and a football.

Just last year, a dummy sensor buoy from the Aran Islands was spotted floating off Barra.

The novel promotional idea by Fanad Lighthouse was launched to celebrate the 10 years since the facility was opened to the public.

Eimear Ní Mhathúna, General Manager of Fanad Lighthouse, told Donegal Live: “With the currents and a little help from our team, we gave the bottles their best chance of travelling north, perhaps towards the Outer Hebrides, the Shetlands or even Iceland, although, of course, we have absolutely no idea where they will eventually end up.” 

Those lucky enough to find one of the bottles will find a message inside telling them they will receive a two-night stay at the lighthouse, a welcome bottle of bubbly and a complimentary Lighthouse Tour.

If you find one... let us know at welovestornoway!

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