Isle of May Lighthouse

Isle of May Lighthouse stands on the Isle of May in the outer Firth of Forth, off the Fife coast of Scotland. Completed in 1816 to a design by Robert Stevenson, it is a Category B listed building and the main landmark of a national nature reserve.

Why does it look like a small castle?

The tower has battlements rather than the plain profile of a typical lighthouse. The style is tied to Sir Walter Scott, who is said to have urged Stevenson to keep the older beacon standing as a ruin instead of pulling it down. Stevenson adapted that building as a refuge for fishermen and Forth pilots. The Northern Lighthouse Board, the lighthouse's owner, had bought the island in 1814.

The light was upgraded in 1836 with a new lamp and lens, and substantial works followed in 1886. In 1989 the station was fully automated, ending permanent staffing. Ownership of the island then passed to the body now known as NatureScot.

Which building is the 1636 beacon?

It is a separate structure. Alexander Cunningham built the earlier coal-fired beacon in 1636, and it is often described as the first permanently manned lighthouse in Scotland. Visitors can see its surviving tower on the island, alongside Stevenson's later lighthouse.

How do you get there?

The island lies about 8 km off the Fife coast and can only be reached by boat. Trips leave Anstruther Harbour on the May Princess and the Osprey of Anstruther, and some sailings run from North Berwick through the Scottish Seabird Centre. Entry to the reserve is free; you pay for the crossing. Book ahead and check current timetables and prices with the operators.

What else is there to see?

The island is roughly 1.5 km long and 0.5 km wide. Besides the lighthouse you can see the ruins of the medieval St Adrian's Priory and large seabird colonies. The walking route is short, so a standard trip with time ashore covers the main sights.

When should you go?

Boats run seasonally, mainly from spring to early autumn, and sailings depend on weather and sea state. Bring a windproof jacket and sturdy shoes. There are no permanent residents or food outlets on the island, so carry your own water and snacks.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? It remains an operational aid to navigation owned by the Northern Lighthouse Board. Interiors are opened only for special events such as open days; most visitors view it from outside.

Who designed the lighthouse? Robert Stevenson. The light dates from 1816, although sources vary on the exact completion date.

Is there an entry fee for the island? The reserve is free to enter, but you need a boat ticket from Anstruther or North Berwick.

Does anyone live at the lighthouse? No. The island has had no permanent residents since the station was automated in 1989.