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. ARLHS # SCO-173

Photo courtesy Peter Sanderson [Flickr]

Shetland Island, very north ARLHS # SCO-082

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

("Out" is derived from the Norwegian for "East".) The islands are accessible by a daily ferry. ^ferry

Located on Bound Skerry, a small island at the extreme eastern end of the island group. Accessible only by boat. ARLHS # SCO-164

At the southern tip of Shetlands, right next to the Sumburg airport. ARLHS # SCO-232

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

Good Shepherd bookings +44 (0)1595 760222 ARLHS # SCO-079

Photo courtesy Calum MacAulay [Flickr]

Easternmost lighthouse of the Orkneys, located on a small island off the northeastern tip of Sanday Island. Sanday is accessible by ferry, and the lighthouse can be reached on foot at low tide. Don't confuse this light with the Start Point in Southern England. showSql.php?file=UK/England.htm#EN42 ^* ARLHS # SCO-225

Photo courtesy Beth Loft [Flickr]

The island and lighthouse are only accessible for about 5-6 hours when the tide is low. A concrete path leads across the rocks. ARLHS # SCO-023

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

Accessible only by boat in difficult seas (boats can be chartered from Lewis). ARLHS # SCO-153

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) ARLHS # SCO-174

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. ARLHS # SCO-104

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

Located at the southwestern corner of Hoy marking the northwestern entrance to Pentland Firth, 13 km north of Dunnet Head Light on the mainland. The site does not appear to be accessible by road. ARLHS # SCO-244

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

This was the last light built (1958) that was intended for manned operation. All later lights were intended for automated operation. It was automated in 1997.

Located at the end of a long promontory on the central north coast, about 6 km north of Strathy. Accessible by road off the A836 highway just west of Strathy. ARLHS # SCO-227

Photo courtesy ChiChi [Flickr]

Located on a headland at the eastern entrance to the loch about 8 km north of Inverhope on the north coast of Scotland. This site does not appear to be accessible by road. ARLHS # SCO-126

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. ARLHS # SCO-097

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. ARLHS # SCO-169

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. ARLHS # SCO-039

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. ^rent ARLHS # SCO-226

Located on the tip of the peninsula separating Loch Broom and Little Loch Broom, about 16 km southwest of Ullapool. This site does not appear to be accessible by road. ARLHS # SCO-028

Western entrance to Stornoway Harbour, Western Isles, Scotland. ARLHS # SCO-010

Photo 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. ^bus ARLHS # SCO-191

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. ARLHS # SCO-252

Photo courtesy Kathryn Goodenough [Flickr]

Located northeast of Skye and north of Raasay, the island has been uninhabited since the 1920s but is popular as a wilderness vacation destination. The lighthouse is at the northern tip of the island, marking the entrances to the Sound of Raasay to the west and the Inner Sound to the east. Accessible only by boat. ARLHS # SCO-185

Photo courtesy Kirsty Fyfe [Flickr]

Located on a small island at the entrance to Loch Carron just north of Plockton and about 10 km northeast of Kyle of Lochalsh. Accessible only by boat. ARLHS # SCO-348

Photo courtesy Jon Royle [geograph]

Located on a small skerry in Loch Alsh about 1.5 km east of the Eilean Bàn lighthouse. Accessible only by boat, there's a good view from a parking area on the A87 highway on the north (mainland) side of the loch. ARLHS # SCO-072

Photo courtesy Bill Newman [M0BMM]

When a new light was built in 2002, the lighthouse was relocated to Glenelg, on the mainland. Nicely restored, the tower is located next to the Glenelg ferry terminal. ^ferry

Located on a small island in the western part of the uninhabited Monach group, about 11 km southwest of the western point of North Uist. ARLHS # SCO-249

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. Drive 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) ARLHS # SCO-147

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. ARLHS # SCO-219

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. ARLHS # SCO-106

Photo courtesy John Jones [Flickr]

The Isle of Eigg is accessible by passenger ferry from Mallaig, but the lighthouse is located on a much smaller island, Eilean Chathastail, which shelters Glamisdale, Eigg's only safe harbor, at the southeastern tip of the larger island. Accessible only by boat. ^ferry ARLHS # SCO-066

Located on a small island in the entrance to Loch na Lathaich and the harbor of Bunessan, on the north side of the southwestern peninsula of the Isle of Mull. Accessible only by boat ARLHS # SCO-026

Just as you leave Tobermory by water, 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) ARLHS # SCO-194

Located on the rock known as Dearg Sgeir, northernmost of a small group of islets in the middle of the Sound of Mull about 3 km northeast of Salen. Accessible only by boat. ARLHS # SCO-091

Located on the easternmost point of the Isle of Mull, about 1200 m south of Duart Castle and 3 km east of Lochdon. Accessible by a short walk. Good views from the ferry between Oban and Craignure on the Isle of Mull. ^ferry ARLHS # SCO-295

Nearest Town or City: Hynish, United Kingdom. This light is described in the NGA List (114-4004) as being only 11 ft tall. ARLHS # SCO-204

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. ARLHS # SCO-360

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. ARLHS # SCO-320

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. ARLHS # SCO-350

Photo courtesy Anthonioo [Flickr]

Located at the northeastern end of Loch Ness in Lochend, marking the west side of the canal's northbound exit from Loch Ness to its smaller extension, Loch Dochfour, about 11 km southwest of Inverness. ARLHS # SCO-347

Located on a rock southwest of Mull and southeast of Skerryvore. Accessible only by helicopter. ARLHS # SCO-060

Photo courtesy Calum MacAulay [Flickr]

Located on the west (Islay) side of the Sound of Islay about 1 km south of the ferry terminal at Port Askaig, marking the beginning of the narrowest portion of the strait separating Islay from Jura. ARLHS # SCO-042

The lighthouse is accessible via a walking trail from Ardtalla, a 10 mile round trip. ARLHS # SCO-134

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

Located on the largest of several rocky islets in the Sound of Kerrara, the southern route from the Firth of Lorne to Oban. Accessible only by boat. ARLHS # SCO-358

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

The name, which means Black Rock in Gaelic, should be Sgeir Dubh, but the incorrect word order is traditional on light lists. Located about 800 m west of Cullipool on the largest of several rocky islets in the north end of the Sound of Luing. Accessible only by boat. ARLHS # SCO-061

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

Scalasaig is the principal town of the Isle of Colonsay, which is accessible by ferry from Oban. Located on a headland on the south side of the harbor entrance, about 500 m southeast of the ferry pier. ^ferry

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

Located on Loch Indaal, on the southeast side of the Rinns of Islay peninsula, at Port Charlotte ARLHS # SCO-198

Photo courtesy JWU [Flickr]

Located on a small island about 1.5 km south of Ardmore, marking the easternmost point of Islay. ARLHS # SCO-349

Photo courtesy marinas.com/view/lighthouse/1504 [marinas.com]

Located on a small island in the Sound of Jura about 4 km northeast of Rubha na Traille, the southernmost point of Jura. Accessible only by boat. ARLHS # SCO-146

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

Located on an isolated rock in middle of the Sound of Jura about 3 km off the northeastern coast of Jura and about 5 km off the coast of the mainland north of Carsaig Island. Accessible only by boat. ARLHS # SCO-188

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

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. ARLHS # SCO-006

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. ARLHS # SCO-182

Photo courtesy Dr. Douglas Wilcox [kayak]

Robert Stevenson supervised the construction of the 1793 tower, thus inaugurating the Stevenson family's long association with Scottish lighthouses. Located on the west side of the island marking the east side of the entrance to the Clyde estuary. ARLHS # SCO-316

Photo courtesy Graeme Phanco [Flickr]

This lighthouse marks the east side of the entrance to Loch Fyne from the Sound of Bute. Located on a small island off the point of Rubha Stillaig about 3 km south of Portavadie. ARLHS # SCO-353

Photo courtesy Dr. Douglas Wilcox [kayak]

Located on the headland at the junction of the Clyde with the Kyles of Bute, the loch separating the Isle of Bute from the mainland. Accessible by road, just off the end of the A815 highway about 3 km south of Innellan. ARLHS # SCO-245

Photo courtesy Iain Donaldson [Flickr]

This lighthouse is located at a wild location on Loch Long at the entrance to Loch Goil, roughly 25 km north of Helensburgh. ARLHS # SCO-315

Photo courtesy Bill Newman [M0BNN]

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. ARLHS # SCO-301

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

An island east of the Isle of Arran. Boat trips are available fromNorthumberland +44 (1665) 720 308 ^boat ARLHS # SCO-101

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

Pladda is a small island about 1.5 km south of Kildonan, off the southeastern point of the Isle of Arran. The light station guides ships entering the Firth of Clyde. ARLHS # SCO-172

Photo courtesy Calum MacAulay [Flickr]

located near the base of the high tower ARLHS # SCO-352

Located on the quay at Port Glasgow. ARLHS # SCO-312

Photo courtesy Bill Newman [arlhs]

Located at the eastern end of the Garvel Embankment, which shelters the eastern harbor at Greenock. ARLHS # SCO-351

Located at the end of the ferry pier in Ardrossan, ferries depart from this pier for Brodick on the Isle of Arran. ARLHS # SCO-317

Photo courtesy atomicjeep [Flickr]

The island is a privately owned bird sanctuary; landing is forbidden without special permission. Located about 5 km west southwest of Troon, ferries to Larne, Northern Ireland, pass close to this light shortly after leaving Troon. ARLHS # SCO-117

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

An unusual old pierhead light. Located at the end of the south breakwater mole at Ayr. ARLHS # SCO-292

Photo courtesy timniblett [Flickr]

No lantern, lights mounted on a short mast atop the tower. Located at the end of the breakwater at Girvan. ARLHS # SCO-296

Photo courtesy Eric Firley [Flickr]

Loch Ryan is the sound behind the northern arm of the hammerhead-shaped Rhins of Galloway. Located directly on the A77 highway at Cairn Ryan, on the east side of the loch. ARLHS # SCO-029

Photo courtesy Bill Newman [M0BNN]

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. ^trail ARLHS # SCO-111

Photo courtesy spiderpops [Flickr]

Located on the south side of the harbor entrance in Portpatrick. ARLHS # SCO-177

Photo courtesy Mich's Dad [Flickr]

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. ARLHS # SCO-144

Photo courtesy Beth Loft [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. ARLHS # SCO-223

Photo courtesy David Holme [Flickr]

Located on a spectacular rocky headland about 8 km north of Eyemouth. Accessible by a popular hiking path of about 7 km round trip. ^path ARLHS # SCO-224

Photo courtesy Giorgio M. Griffa [Flickr]

Can be seen from Tantallon Castle. (His photo is much prettier, this copy is just the lighthouse, not the surroundings) ARLHS # SCO-018

Photo courtesy BK Theman [Flickr]

Not to be confused with another Newhaven East Pier Light in Sussex, England. Located at the end of the pier off Granton Road in the Newhaven district of Edinburgh, just west of Leigh. ARLHS # SCO-332

Photo courtesy Maria Pratt [Flickr]

Located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth at 20 West Harbour Road in the Granton neighborhood of Edinburgh. This isn't a lighthouse, but rather a lighthouse shop where lighthouses are sold. The lighthouse on the roof also serves as a test-bed for the lenses that they make. ARLHS # SCO-335

Photo courtesy kyz [Flickr]

Located at the old ferry terminal on the south bank of the Firth just west of the Forth Road Bridge. ARLHS # SCO-328

The island, the site of a historic abbey founded in 1123, is accessible via cruises from Edinburgh. Located at the east point of the island. ^cruise ARLHS # SCO-308

Located at the end of the pier in Burntisland on the north side of the Firth of Forth. The light is easily viewed from shore. ARLHS # SCO-319

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

Located at the foot of the pier in Burntisland on the north side of the Firth of Forth.

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. ARLHS # SCO-080

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. ARLHS # SCO-109

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

Located at the end of the Middle Pier in the new harbor of Pittenweem, a small port halfway between Elie and Anstruther.

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

Located at the end of the pier at Anstruther on the north side of the Firth of Forth.

Photo courtesy Trevor Powell [Flickr]

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. ARLHS # SCO-289

Photo courtesy Gil Campbell [Flickr]

The lighthouse is usually called the "Eastern Lighthouse" in Tayport. Both low and high lighthouses are on the town's Lighthouse Walk, off Albert Street. ARLHS # SCO-290

Photo courtesy Trevor Powell [Flickr]

Buddon Ness is the southern tip of the Barry Links, a wedge-shaped sandy promontory at the northern entrance to the Firth of Tay south of Carnoustie. Lighting the point usefully is a problem due to the rapidly shifting channels in the area. The original (1688) lighthouse was replaced in 1753 by a wooden low light built on rollers for ease of relocation. ARLHS # SCO-283

After deactivation the lighthouse served for some years as an observation post, and for several years after 1987 it carried a radar scanner as part of a Dundee University research project. Located at the southern tip of the Barry Links, marking the entrance to the Firth of Tay. ARLHS # SCO-025

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. ARLHS # SCO-326

Photo courtesy Macieklew [Flickr]

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. ARLHS # SCO-205

Photo courtesy Gil Campbell [Flickr]

Located on the bluff above the harbor in Gourdon. ARLHS # SCO-345

From Aberdeen, follow Greyhope road around the golf course to the tip of the head. ARLHS # SCO-089

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. ARLHS # SCO-339

Photo courtesy Alex Trabas [liteslist]

Peterhead is a deepwater port used heavily to support the oil and gas rigs of the North Sea field. Located at the end of the breakwater at Salthouse Head on the south side of Peterhead. You can clearly see Buchan Ness across the harbor. ARLHS # SCO-281

Photo courtesy courtesy Maria Pratt [Flickr]

Located about 13 km north of Peterhead and a similar distance southeast of Fraserburgh. Accessible by car, parking available. It is possible to walk to the lighthouse with caution at low tide. ARLHS # SCO-179

Photo courtesy Gil Campbell [Flickr]

Built in 1787, this and Mull of Kintyre are the first lights built in Scotland. It was automated in 1991. It is open to the public, and there is also a lighthouse museum. The building is a conversion of an earlier castle. ARLHS # SCO-113

Photo courtesy of Robin Keymer [Flickr]

Located at the end of the east pier in Rosehearty, about 6 km west of Fraserburgh.

Photo courtesy Antony Williams [Flickr]

At the end of the breakwater in the harbor in Moray Firth. ARLHS # SCO-333

Photo courtesy Callum Anderson [Flickr]

Located at the end of the pier in Burghead. ARLHS # SCO-278

Photo courtesy Bill Newman [arlhs]

The lighthouse, the third tallest in Scotland, stands on the sharp point separating Dornoch Firth from Moray Firth. Located about 5 km northeast of Portmahomack. ARLHS # SCO-236

Photo courtesy Gil Campbell [Flickr]

Located atop a cliff about 5 km northeast of Lybster, just off the A99 coastal highway. ARLHS # SCO-048

Photo courtesy marinas.com [marinas.com]

Located at the end of the pier sheltering Wick Harbour. ARLHS # SCO-313

Photo courtesy Trevor Powell [Flickr]