Bass Rock Lighthouse

Bass Rock Lighthouse sits on a steep volcanic island in the Firth of Forth, roughly 2 km off the coast at North Berwick in East Lothian, Scotland. From the town's beaches it shows up as a pale tower against the dark bulk of the rock, and it is one of the most recognisable landmarks on this stretch of coast.

Why is there a lighthouse on Bass Rock?

The Northern Lighthouse Board, Scotland's lighthouse authority, commissioned it, and David Alan Stevenson, a member of the famous family of lighthouse engineers, designed and built it. The light was first exhibited on 1 November 1902, at a cost of around 8,000 pounds.

The stone came from the island itself. Stevenson's crews pulled down the medieval castle, and masonry from its keep and living quarters went into the new tower. The lighthouse therefore stands on the site of the old fortifications.

What does it look like?

The tower is about 20 metres tall and joins a single-storey keeper's house. The group is listed under Historic Environment Scotland reference LB14738 and is recorded by Canmore. Keepers lived here until 1988, when the light was automated and the fog signal switched off. Since then it has been monitored remotely from the Board's headquarters in Edinburgh.

Can you go inside?

No. It is a working aid to navigation and the interior is closed to visitors. The best view is from the water. Boat trips leave from North Berwick, last about two hours, and pass Craigleith island before circling the Bass Rock. Most passengers stay aboard. Landings depend on the weather and cannot be counted on.

What else will you see on the trip?

Bass Rock holds the world's largest colony of northern gannets, tens of thousands of pairs, so the lighthouse appears against a swirling cloud of birds. The island also has the ruins of St Baldred's chapel and the remains of a former prison. For the best photographs, shoot from the boat when the sun lights the western side of the rock.

When should you go?

The boat season opens in spring, around Easter, and the gannets nest through summer. That is when the rock is busiest and the sea is usually calmer. Check the current timetable before you travel, as wind and swell often lead to cancellations.

How do you get there?

Trains from Edinburgh reach North Berwick in about half an hour. The harbour and the boat check-in are by the Scottish Seabird Centre. From its terrace you can see Bass Rock with the naked eye, and the lighthouse through the telescopes.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bass Rock Lighthouse still in use? Yes. It has been unmanned since 1988 and is run remotely from Edinburgh.

Can I climb the tower? No. It is an operational navigation light and there are no interior tours.

Where can I see it from? From a boat out of North Berwick, or from the beach and the Scottish Seabird Centre terrace on shore.

Who designed it? David Alan Stevenson. It first shone in November 1902.