This long-awaited new edition of an established best-selling title brings the story of lighthouses in Scotland up to date now that the task of automation is finished. With many additional photographs, map and a concluding section, this book remains a must for anyone with an interest in lighthouses.

In the book Ian Cassells, a former lightkeeper, provides a light-hearted and true account of life in the Lighthouse Service where 'Paraffin-Oiler' was the nickname for a Scottish lightkeeper. He provides fascinating detail about the lighthouses themselves, their construction and the development of the Service. Though personal reminiscences and tales from colleagues he builds up a vivid account of the day-to-day life and the characters who were involved in this peculiarly solitary occupation. The book is not without humour and mystery and the author deals with the infamous Flannan Islands mystery logically and with the insight perhaps only an ex-keeper could possess.

This highly readable and acclaimed book is enhanced by the inclusion of numerous photographs, many of them new to this edition, which highlight the stunning locations of many lighthouses. In addition, they enable the reader to appreciate the remarkable achievement of those responsible for building the lights and manning them, until so recently.

'This latest version fulfils that initial promise. It now includes the final days of the NLB lighthouse automation programme, new photographs, a splendid aerial shot of the red and white banded tower at Buchan Ness to catch one's eye on the cover ... I have no hesitation in recommending No More Paraffin-Oilers as one man's very personal slice of life, now sadly gone forever, enhanced with pictures which illustrate the beautiful and remote locations of the lighthouses'. LAMP

'A fine example of a well-illustrated lighthouse history. It is written as a tribute and a farewell to the lights and the men who manned them since 1787 when the first keeper stood duty at Kinnaird Head'.IALA Bulletin

What the reviews said of the first edition:

'... this tribute to his predecessors and colleagues and, in the process, has given us an absorbing account of Scottish lighthouses laced with humour and tales of courage. ... the book describes all the lighthouses and gives a brief history of each, as well as many anecdotes about the characters who kept the lights shining. ... No More Paraffin Oilers is a fine little book that will keep its place on my shelves ...' Northern Times

'Ian Cassells tells the story of heroism, isolation and dedication which began 200 years ago, when Parliament authorised the erection of four lighthouses "for the security of navigation and the fishermen in the northern parts of Great Britain"'. Silver City on Sunday, Aberdeen

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