The recent references to the light house at the end of the Balaclava Breakwater have caused great controversy as to why, what has usually just been referred to as the lighthouse or the beacon, should be called the Golden Horn. It did seem that this name is a recent development but today Grey Granite was informed by a most knowledgeable Brocher that it has 'aye been ca'ad' the Golden Horn but usage of the name has fluctuated. Apparently, when the lighthouse was being constructed between 1875 and 1882, a gold sovereign was placed, for luck, at the base of the tower. This sounds a more plausible story than other theories about the origins of the name.
Prior to the extending of the Balaclava Pier and building a breakwater, boats trying to enter the harbour were frequently damaged in stormy weather. The original Balaclava Pier was much modified and extended during the 19th century as the needs of the fishing industry changed.
The laying of the foundation stone of the Balaclava Breakwater by Lord Saltoun, on 23rd October 1875, was an occasion of great pageantry, followed by ceremonial dinner for the Harbour Commissioners and the great and good of the town . As part of the parade in which all the trades of the town were represented Lord Saltoun was ceremoniously seated in a Broadsea yole, mounted on a specially built carriage and pulled from North Lodge Philorth to the pier by 100 grateful Broadsea fishermen.
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