Kyleakin Lighthouse

Kyleakin Lighthouse stands on the small island of Eilean Bàn beside the village of Kyleakin, on the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands. It no longer guides ships, but it remains one of the most photographed landmarks at the foot of the Skye Bridge.

What is Kyleakin Lighthouse?

The roughly 21-metre white tower was designed by the brothers David and Thomas Stevenson and first lit in 1857. It counts among the early Scottish lighthouses to use a fixed condensing light. An iron footbridge of five spans crosses the rocks to reach it, and in its day it was regarded as a model example of that type of structure.

The light was automated in 1960 and converted to run on acetylene gas. It was decommissioned in 1993. Historic Environment Scotland protects the lighthouse as a Category B listed building.

Why visit Eilean Bàn?

The island is tied to Gavin Maxwell, the naturalist and author of "Ring of Bright Water". He bought the keepers' cottages in 1963 and lived there until he died in September 1969. The Eilean Bàn Trust has since restored the buildings as a home for the island's nature warden and a small museum about Maxwell.

The setting is striking too. The Skye Bridge, opened in 1995, is built partly over the island, so the white tower sits directly beneath the road span with water and hills behind it. Photographers will find few better compositions nearby.

How do you get there?

Kyleakin is on the Skye side, and you can drive to it over the bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh. The lighthouse is visible from the shoreline around the village. Landing on the island itself is done through tours run by the Eilean Bàn Trust, which set off from its visitor centre. Check dates and availability before you travel, as they depend on the season and the organiser.

When is the best time to go?

Summer is easiest: long days make tours simpler to fit in. Skye weather turns quickly, so pack a warm waterproof layer. Early morning and evening give the best light for pictures of the tower under the bridge.

What else is nearby?

Kyleakin was the ferry port for the crossing to the mainland until the bridge opened in 1995. From here it is easy to head deeper into Skye, while Kyle of Lochalsh waits on the other side of the bridge.

Frequently asked questions

Is the lighthouse still working? No, the light was switched off in 1993. The tower still serves as a daytime landmark visible from the water and the shore.

Who lived on the island? Gavin Maxwell, author of "Ring of Bright Water", bought the keepers' cottages in 1963 and stayed until 1969.

Can I visit the museum? The restored cottages house the Maxwell museum, and the Eilean Bàn Trust runs the tours. Confirm current dates with the organiser.

Is the tower a protected building? Yes, it is listed by Historic Environment Scotland in Category B.