The Lighthouses of Scotland

At the northern tip of the Shetland Islands, if you're up to a 3-4 hour walk, you can get here.

Photo courtesy Peter Sanderson [Flickr]

Shetland Island, very north

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

South mouth of Lerwick Harbour.

Photo courtesy bgn802 [Webshots]

Fair Isle can be reached from the Shetland mainland either by the island mailboat Good Shepherd IV, or by 8-seater 'Islander' aircraft.

Photo courtesy Calum MacAulay [Flickr]

Tours are available on Sunday sailing days throughout the summer and by arrangement with B. Muir, lighthouse keeper.

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Starting from East Kirbest, there is a nature trail (5 miles long) that ends up at the lighthouse.

Photo courtesy Bruce McAdam [Flickr]

Technically, the Hoy lights are both on the island of Graemsay.  These pictures are taken from the road on Main Island, so the lights are still quite a ways out there (and the weather wasn't all that great either)

Hoy High

This marks the main channel into the Scapa Flow harbor.  Note that the Hoy lights are built as range lights (or Leading Lights as they are called in Europe) to aid navigation through Hoy Sound.

You can reach Graemsay on the passenger-only ferry that sails from Stromness pier to Moaness, calling at Graemsay.

The normal channel is to go due North leaving Kirkwall.  Since we were in a "small" boat, we turned south as fast as the shore allows and this light was on the port (left) side.

Copinsay is a small island about 5 km southeast of Point of Ayre on the east side of Orkney Mainland. Formerly inhabited, the island is now a sanctuary owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Located on the highest point of the island. Accessible only by boat; should be visible from Point of Ayre.

Photo courtesy Calum MacAulay [Flickr]

A self catering holiday on the island of Hoy.

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

Nestled into the hillside of Thurso Bay, Holburn Head is one of the simplest lights to see.  You can see it from the town of Thurso, driving your car west to A836 or from the P&O ferries to the Orkneys.  This light was discontinued in August 2003 following alterations to the port facility.

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

twin towers 60' apart. The Pentland Skerries are small rocky islands obstructing the eastern entrance to Pentland Firth. Located on Muckle Skerry, the largest of the group, about 8 km northeast of Duncansby Head on the mainland and 6 km south of Brough Ness, South Ronaldsay, in the Orkneys.

Photo courtesy Calum MacAulay [Flickr]

To access the cape Wrath you must first take a ferry across the Kyle of Durness (from Durness, Scotland) which takes approximately a quarter of an hour.  On completion of the ferry trip there is an optional bus which takes you to the Cape Wrath Lighthouse.

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

This picture is taken from our Celtic Lands cruise.  Situated 10 miles north of the picturesque fishing village of Lochinve, you can rent a flat here.  While the tower is short (45'), it's on top of a 200' cliff.

Western entrance to Stornoway Harbour, Western Isles, Scotland.

Postcard courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

With improved road, rail and air links to Inverness, getting to the outer reaches of the North West Highlands is easier than you may have thought! There is an excellent public bus service to Gairloch where a taxi can be ordered to take you the 12 miles to the lighthouse.

Located at the northwestern point of the Isle of Skye on the tip of the Vaternish peninsula, about 7 km north of Trumpan. Accessible by hiking from the end of the road near Trumpan.

Photo courtesy Kathryn Goodenough [Flickr]

Located on the island of Scalpay in the Western Isles of Scotland.

Photo courtesy Charles Cook [Flickr]

This lighthouse is not to be confused with the Point of Ayre light on the Isle of Man, the Point of Ayr Lighthouse in Wales, or the Ayr Harbour light on the Firth of Clyde. The original lighthouse here was replaced by a new structure in 2001. This light is located near the south point of the Isle of Raasay, northeast of Skye.

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The Skye Bridge (A87), completed in 1995, now crosses Eilean Bàn lengthwise.  Thus, like the Mackinaw Light in Michigan, the bridge provides a better aid to navigation than the light does.

Photo courtesy Trevor Powell [Flickr]

Kyle Rhea is a narrow strait connecting Loch Alsh with the Sound of Sleat to the south, separating the Isle of Skye from the mainland. Located on the west (Isle of Skye) side of the strait about 1 km north of the Kylerhea ferry terminal; clearly visible from the ferry.

Photo courtesy Jo Waddell [Flickr]

Located on a small island in the Sound of Sleat just off the mainland near Sandaig and about 5 km east of Ornsay. Accessible only by boat.

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At the northwest corner of the Isle of Skye, Duirinish Peninsula, Scotland.  It currently has a private owner and 3 self-catering cottages.

Once on the Isle of Skye, head for Dunvegan.  Srive south from Dunvegan on the A863, then turn onto B884 until there is a turn for Waterstein.  Take this road and drive to the car park.  From there it's about an hour walk to the light.  (The steps are steep, but have a a handrail)

Located at the southernmost point of the Isle of Skye, marking the west side of the entrance to the Sound of Sleat. There are picnic tables near the light. Accessible by a popular hike of about 13 km roundtrip from Aird of Sleat at the end of the A851 highway.

Photo courtesy John Jones [Flickr]

Situated on rocks approximately 5 miles south west of Canna and 8 miles west of the island of Rhum.  This is so remote that it was the experimental place for resupply by aircraft.  In spite of being remote, it also is known for the garden of superb vegetables the keepers kept while the light was manned.

Photo courtesy John Jones [Flickr]

We saw this light as we left Tobermory and sailed north.

This is now an exhibition place with interactive displays for children, scientific experiments and exciting graphics.  More information can be had from (01972) 510210.

Just as you leave the Tobermory, this light is right (on the left side) on the headlands as the boat turns west (because, if you go due North, you hit land)

Located on a rocky ledge just offshore on the west side of Loch Linnhe about 500 m north of Port Appin, opposite the northeastern end of Lismore Island.

Photo courtesy The Amanda [Flickr]

This lighthouse and the next two are called "pepperpots" and are claimed to be the smallest lighthouses in Britain (there are other claimants). Located on the north side of the entrance to the Caledonian Canal from Loch Linnhe in Corpach, about 3 km north of Fort William.

Photo courtesy abstractEffects [Flickr]

Located at the southwestern end of Loch Ness in Fort Augustus, marking the east side of the canal's southbound exit from Loch Ness to a series of five locks. Accessible by a walking path.

Photo courtesy Anthonioo [Flickr]

Built on a group of rocks 10 miles south of the Inner Hebridean island of Tiree (and the highest rock is only 10' above Mean High Tide).

Photo courtesy Calum MacAulay [Flickr]

The light station is at the northeastern tip of Islay, marking the northern entrance to the Sound of Islay. The site is not accessible by road, although it is possible to reach it by hiking 12 km roundtrip from Bunnahabhain.

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This tiny lighthouse is a directional light guiding ships into Oban Harbour from the Firth of Lorne. Located just off the Corran Esplanade in Dunollie, on the north side of Oban.

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Located on a small island about 3 km southwest of Cullipool on the Isle of Luing, marking the entrance to the Sound of Luing. Accessible only by boat (ecotours that visit the site are available).

Photo courtesy Michael Platt [Flickr]

The lighthouse is at the southwestern tip of the archipelago on Eileach an Naoimh, the Isle of the Saints, famous as the site of a sixth century monastery founded by St. Brendan. Accessible only by boat; tours to the island are available.

Photo courtesy Dr. Douglas Wilcox [kayak]

On the Isle of Orsay,  it sits across an inlet from the beautiful fishing village of Portnahaven.  To get here, you must take the ferry to Port Ellen, then take A846 to Brigend then travel A847 down the long finger of the Rinns Peninsula where the road will end in Portnahaven.  If you want to inspect the lighthouse closely, you'll need to find a local fisherman to take you the 10 minutes across the inlet to Orsay.

Photo courtesy Calum MacAulay [Flickr]

Located on a rocky point at the western entrance to the harbor of Port Ellen on the southern peninsula of Islay. Accessible by road; the tower can be reached by a walkway at low tide.

Photo courtesy Zan Milliagan [Flickr]

Located on the east (Jura) side of the Sound of Islay about 2.5 km north of the Feolin Ferry terminal.

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Located on a rocky reef in the Sound of Jura about 3 km southeast of the entrance to Lowlandman's Bay on the southeastern coast of Jura. Accessible only by boat; there may be distant views from the A846 coastal road north of Craighouse.

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The lighthouse appears to date from the late 1800s and is probably the second to stand on this site. Located at the end of the south breakwater in Ardrishaig on Loch Gilp, a branch of Loch Fyne, marking the eastern entrance to the canal.

Photo courtesy Flickervegian [Flickr]

Located at the southeastern tip of the Isle of Bute, marking the west side of the entrance to the Clyde estuary. Accessible by a hike of about 5 km roundtrip from the end of the B88 secondary road in Kilchattan Bay.

Photo courtesy Dr. Douglas Wilcox [kayak]

Located on the west side of the island marking the east side of the entrance to the Clyde estuary.  The 1997 light is the square tower to the right of the 1793 model.

Photo courtesy Dr. Douglas Wilcox [kayak]

Located on the west side of the entrance to Loch Riddon about 4 km northeast of Tighnabruaich, not far off the A8003 highway.

Photo courtesy Bill Newman [M0BNN]

This beacon marks a particularly dangerous rocky ledge, the Gantock Rocks, about 600 m southeast of Dunoon Castle in Dunoon.

Photo courtesy Robbie Livingstone [geograph]

Looks like a habitated island, but in the Irish Sea.  You can take a boat trip (60-90 minutes) from Campbeltown.

What makes the lighthouse so different is that the design incorporates a stone tower in 3 steps set against the face of the rock.  This allows access to the water level in even the worst storms.

Stamp image courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

An island east of the Isle of Arran.  Boat trips are available from Northumberland +44 (1665) 720 308.

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

Located on the quay at Port Glasgow.

Photo courtesy Bill Newman [arlhs]

This historic light station marks a right-angle curve in the Clyde, where the estuary turns from west to south for ships headed downstream. Located just off the A770 highway about 3 km west of Gourock, directly across the Clyde from Dunoon.

Photo courtesy Stevie Manson [Flickr]

Ferries to Larne, Northern Ireland, pass close to this light as they leave Troon. Located at the end of the west pier, which also functions as a breakwater for Troon Harbour.

The front range light is mounted on or near the pilot house. Located at the foot of Harbour Street in Ayr.

Photo courtesy John Cullen [Flickr]

If being seen on TV is important, this is a very celebrated lighthouse.  This light stands just off the 17th green and Turnberry has hosted the British Open in '77, '86 and '94.  Located just of the A719 coastal road about 1.5 km north of the A77 at Turnberry.

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

Ailsa Craig is a spectacular conical mountain rising 338 m above the sea about 15 km west of Girvan. The lighthouse is located at Foreland Point on the eastern side of the island. Accessible only by boat; tours from Girvan are available.

Photo courtesy Isobel Craig [Flickr]

A 4 star luxury hotel.  It's just down the road from the former small fishing village of Kirkcolm.

Photo courtesy Martin Luechinger [Flickr].

Killantringan (Black Head)

Located on Black Head, on the western side of the Rhins of Galloway about 2.5 km north of Portpatrick. Accessible by road off the B738 highway; there is also a hiking trail, the first section of the Southern Upland Way, from Portpatrick.

Photo courtesy spiderpops [Flickr]

This is near the southern tip of mainland Scotland.

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The picturesque village and its lighthouse became well known when they appeared in a popular BBC television drama series Two Thousand Acres of Sky. Located at the south side of the harbor at Port Logan, about 8 km south of Ardwell.

Photo courtesy Dr. Douglas Wilcox [kayak]

Mull of Galloway

Available for rent.  It marks the south-westernmost tip of Scotland.   On a clear day, you can see Cumbria Ireland and the Isle of Man from the lighthouse.  Located atop a vertical cliff at the southern tip of the Rhins of Galloway about 8 km south of Drummore.

Photo courtesy Beth Loft [Flickr]

This wave swept tower was built on a submerged reef.

Photo courtesy Calum MacAulay [Flickr]

Located on the Southerness headland at the north side of the entrance to Solway Firth. Accessible by road off the A710 highway about 25 km south of Dumfries.

Photo courtesy Terry Wha [Flickr]

NE point of Isle of Man

Postcard courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

This was the last light built in Scotland (1968).  It was automated in 1995. The new light is to the right, old one is to the left.

Southwest tip of the Isle of Man.

Photo courtesy Calum MacAulay [Flickr]

The lighthouse is in a public preserve at East Lothian, east coast of Scotland, North Sea.

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

Located atop an island in the middle of the Firth of Forth about 6.5 km north of Leith. Accessible only by boat.

Photo courtesy rongorongo [Flickr]

Near Queensferry in the Firth of Forth

Photo courtesy Maria Pratt [Flickr]

Near Edinburg

Photo courtesy Maria Pratt [Flickr]

Located on a rock in the middle of the Firth of Forth on the east side of the Forth Railway Bridge at Queensferry. Accessible only by boat.

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The light was built between 1810 and 1813 and has been dark since 1964.  Located at the foot of Ferryhill Street, between the Forth Road and Railroad bridges, near the Deep Sea World aquarium in North Queensferry.

Photo courtesy Stevie Spiers [geograph]

Built on a rock in the middle of the Firth of Forth about 4 km southeast of Dalgety Bay. Accessible only by boat.

Photo courtesy "Historic Scotland" [webshots]

The island is said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's book Treasure Island. Like Bass Rock, it is an important nesting ground for seabirds. Located about 3 km northwest of North Berwick.

Photo courtesy BK Theman [Flickr]

The keeper's house accommodates a resident warden. The lighthouse was replaced by the North Carr lightship in 1887. Located at the easternmost point of the island.

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Located on the east pier of the old harbor of Pittenweem.

Photo courtesy Bill Newman [sco493]

Located at the easternmost point of Fife, marking the north side of the entrance to the Firth of Forth.

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Tayport Pile Light

This is one of only a few surviving pile lighthouses in the U.K. Located about 500 meters northeast of the Tayport waterfront on the south side of the Firth of Tay.

Photo courtesy Gil Campbell [Flickr]

This is a private light operated and constructed by the city of Dundee. On the southern entrance to the Firth of Tay.

Photo curtesy Stuant63 [Flickr]

Until 1995 this elegant building was the shore station of the offshore Bell Rock Light, housing off-duty keepers and keepers' families. Today it is the local history museum, including displays on the lighthouse. Located in Arbroath at the northern entrance to the Firth of Tay.

Photo courtesy Macieklew [Flickr]

Also known as the Montrose Light.  Located at the point on the south side of the entrance to the River South Esk and the harbor of Montrose Basin, about 2 km east of Montrose. Accessible by a popular hiking path.

Photo courtesy Gil Campbell [Flickr]

From Aberdeen, follow Greyhope road around the golf course to the tip of the head.

Photo courtesy Gil Campbell [Flickr]

The pier, 1000 m in length, was built partly by John Smeaton in 1775-1781 and extended by Thomas Telford in 1810-1815. Located at the end of the breakwater on the north side of the entrance to the River Dee in Aberdeen.

Photo courtesy Chris Nixon [Flickr]

About 200 m southwest of the front light.

Photo courtesy Alex Trabas [liteslist]

Buchan Ness

This lighthouse marks the easternmost point of the Scottish mainland, although it actually stands on a small island, linked to the mainland by a bridge. Located at Boddam, about 6 km south of Peterhead.

Photo courtesy Gil Campbell [Flickr]

Chanonry Ness is a sharp point at the end of a sandy spit projecting southward into Moray Firth at the beginning of the approach to Inverness. Located 2.5 km southeast of Fortrose; accessible by car.

Photo courtesy Beth Loft [Flickr]