Eilean Glas Lighthouse

Eilean Glas Lighthouse stands on the eastern shore of Scalpay, a small island off Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is one of the oldest lighthouse sites in the country, and a good reason to spend half a day on an island most visitors drive straight past.

What is Eilean Glas and why does it matter?

The light was first lit in autumn 1789. It was one of the four original lights ordered by the Commissioners of the Northern Lights, the body now known as the Northern Lighthouse Board, and it was the first of them in the Hebrides. The engineer was Thomas Smith, who went on to become the Commissioners' first engineer. Visitor leaflets for Scalpay add a local story: the tacksman of the day is said to have obtained the plans in secret and built part of the structure himself.

The original tower was later replaced by a taller one designed by Robert Stevenson, in the 1820s (sources give 1824 or about 1826). The first tower still survives, ruined, at the foot of its successor. Keepers' cottages were added in 1847, a fog signal in 1907, and the station was automated in 1978. The buildings are exposed to Atlantic weather and are not a staffed attraction.

How do you get to Eilean Glas?

Scalpay is linked to Harris by a road bridge, so no ferry is needed. Tarbert, the main village of Harris, is the nearest base, and a bus runs from there to Scalpay. From the Out End of the island, the lighthouse is roughly a 30-minute walk on the shortest route. Park considerately in the village and walk from there.

What can you see and do there?

• The striking white tower and the ruined first tower beside it.
• Views over the Minch and, on clear days, towards Skye and the Harris hills.
• Rugged coastline, seabirds and, with luck, seals offshore.

If you have more time, the waymarked Scalpay Heritage Walk is a circular route of about 13 km. It takes around four hours and passes the lighthouse. Parts of the path are very boggy and peat-hagged, so wear waterproof boots.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to early autumn gives the longest daylight and the mildest weather. The headland is exposed, so bring windproof layers in any season. There is no visitor centre. A cafe near the lighthouse has been reported closed after water damage, so carry your own food and water.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Eilean Glas Lighthouse?

The lighthouse is an operational station and has no regular tours. Visitors walk up to it and view it from the outside.

Do you need a ferry to reach Scalpay?

No. A bridge connects Scalpay to Harris, so you can drive or take the bus from Tarbert.

How long does the walk to the lighthouse take?

About 30 minutes from the Out End by the shortest route. The full heritage circuit of the island takes about four hours.

Who built Eilean Glas Lighthouse?

Thomas Smith designed the first tower in 1789. Robert Stevenson built its taller replacement in the 1820s.