Dame Margaret Barbour DBE DL has officially reopened the Herd Groyne lighthouse in South Shields following the completion of extensive restoration works.

The Barbour Foundation approached the Port of Tyne, which owns the lighthouse, with the offer of a generous £100,000 donation to support the restoration of the nearly 150-year-old structure, which was built in 1882.

Following the completion of the works in November 2024, the lighthouse was officially reopened at a visit in January 2025 by Dame Margaret, joined by the Port of Tyne’s CEO Matt Beeton.

Restoration work addressed much-needed repairs and maintenance, ensuring the lighthouse’s continued operation and preservation, and was estimated to cost around £250,000. The project included cleaning, repainting and fixing minor structural defects, carried out by specialist contractor TIS Ltd. Following the completion of the works, the Herd Groyne returned to its role as a navigational aid, ensuring the safe passage of vessels into the River Tyne.

Barbour, the renowned lifestyle clothing brand based in South Shields, has a historic connection to the Herd Groyne, featuring the lighthouse in its imagery since its earliest catalogues, dating back to 1908.

Dame Margaret Barbour DBE DL commented on the restoration: “Visiting the Herd Groyne in person and seeing the incredible work that has been done to restore it to its former glory has been truly special. The lighthouse (or Beacon as we know it internally) is a treasured landmark in the North East and holds a special connection to Barbour. I am delighted that through The Barbour Foundation, we have been able to contribute towards the restoration so it can be enjoyed and continue to guide ships into the River Tyne for generations to come.

Matt Beeton, CEO at the Port of Tyne, expressed gratitude for The Barbour Foundation’s support: “We are incredibly grateful to The Barbour Foundation for their generosity and commitment to preserving regional heritage. The Herd Groyne lighthouse is not only a vital maritime asset but also an enduring symbol of the North East. It was a privilege to welcome Dame Margaret as we celebrated the completion of these significant restoration works.”

The Port of Tyne is one of the UK’s largest trust ports, reinvesting all its profits back into facilities along the River Tyne for the benefit of the North East and all its stakeholders. The Port is also custodian of much-loved assets in the region, maintaining their heritage for generations to come.

The Barbour Foundation’s philanthropic support highlights its longstanding commitment to the South Shields community and to preserving regional heritage.

For more information about the Port of Tyne and its activities, visit www.portoftyne.co.uk.