Buckie North Pier Lighthouse

Buckie North Pier Lighthouse stands at the end of the north pier in the harbour of Buckie, on the Moray Firth coast of north-east Scotland. It is a Category C listed structure and part of a harbour that still works for a living.

What kind of lighthouse is it?

This is no slender stone tower of the kind found around much of the Scottish coast. The lighthouse is a low, circular, painted concrete tower of six storeys that tapers towards the top. A projecting concrete balcony crowns it, and a small light in a metal frame sits above that. It is a practical harbour structure rather than a grand landmark, and its plain shape suits the working waterfront around it.

Historic Environment Scotland listed it on 25 April 1989 (Category C, reference LB22724). Sources disagree on when it was built. The listing gives 1878, while Canmore dates the light to 1874–80. The 1878 date most likely refers to the harbour itself, so the safest summary is that the lighthouse dates from the 1870s.

How does it fit into Buckie's harbour story?

Buckie harbour was built in 1878 to a design by engineer William Dyce Cay and extended between 1910 and 1932 by Charles Brand and Sons of Glasgow. It took in the older, smaller Cluny Harbour. It is regarded as the first large concrete harbour in Scotland, which is why a concrete lighthouse feels so at home here. The north-west and north piers carry their own Category B listing (LB22725).

Why do some records call it East Pier?

Canmore files the light as Buckie Harbour, East Pier, Lighthouse, because an earlier assignment to the North Pier was recorded as an error. If you are researching the building, search under both names.

What can you see there?

The best way to take it in is from around the harbour, together with the piers, fishing boats and quaysides. The harbour is active, so watch for vehicles and vessels and follow any signs. This is a stop for anyone who enjoys harbour architecture, photography or a quiet walk by the water, not a ticketed attraction with guided tours.

What else is worth doing in Buckie?

To learn how the town lived by the sea, visit the Buckie & District Fishing Heritage Centre. A museum visit pairs well with a walk around the harbour, where the working boats still show what the herring-era town was built on.

When should you visit?

The lighthouse is visible all year. Clear days from late spring to summer are best for photos and walks, and the low light around sunrise and sunset flatters the concrete. Autumn and winter can be windy, so bring a warm windproof jacket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the lighthouse a listed building? Yes. It has been Category C listed since 25 April 1989.

What is it built from? Concrete. The tower is circular, has six storeys and narrows towards the balcony beneath a small light.

When was it built? The listing says 1878 and Canmore says 1874–80. What is certain is that it dates from the 1870s, during the building of the harbour.

Why do some sources call it the East Pier lighthouse? Canmore corrected an earlier assignment of the record to the North Pier. It is the same Buckie harbour, so use both names when searching.