Ruvaal Lighthouse

Ruvaal Lighthouse (Rubha a' Mhàil in Gaelic) guards the northern tip of the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland, within the Argyll and Bute council area. It is one of the most remote corners of the island, facing neighbouring Jura across the Sound of Islay.

Who built Ruvaal Lighthouse, and when?

Robert Stevenson, patriarch of Scotland's famous lighthouse-engineering family, flagged the need for a light on the Sound of Islay as early as 1835. Construction ran from 1857 to 1859 to plans by his sons David and Thomas Stevenson, working for the Northern Lighthouse Board. The lamp first shone on 1 January 1859. The Board of Trade asked that the beam also cover the Neva Rocks to the west, and a Victorian gazetteer puts the cost at £7,437.

The lens has its own story. Chance Brothers of Birmingham made one in 1874, and a modern unit replaced it in 1992. The original optic went to Colonsay House, where it is displayed today. The light was automated in 1983, so no keepers live here any more.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The lighthouse lies roughly 10 km north of Port Askaig, Islay's main ferry port. Reach the island by ferry from the mainland, then you will need a car or bicycle. There is no public transport to the start of the walk, so plan your journey ahead.

The usual route on foot starts at Bunnahabhain, by the distillery, and follows the coast towards the headland. Along the way the shoreline opens up with views across to Jura. It is an out-and-back walk, and the ground can be boggy, so waterproof boots are a good idea.

What will you see?

• The white tower with its former keepers' buildings.
• The Sound of Islay, the strait between Islay and Jura, known for strong tidal currents.
• A wild, undeveloped coastline. Otters and seals can be spotted near the jetty.
• Typical northern Islay scenery of peat bog and heather moorland.

The keepers' cottages are privately owned and let as holiday accommodation, so respect the grounds and do not enter the property. The lighthouse is a working navigation aid, not a museum.

Is the site protected?

Yes. The lighthouse is a Category B listed building in Scotland, and it has an entry in the Canmore record kept by Historic Environment Scotland. Older sources spell the headland Rhuvaal, Rubh' a' Mhail or Rudha Mhail, which is worth knowing when you search for more information.

When should you go?

Late spring and summer are best, with long days and the driest path. Hebridean weather can change within an hour, so pack a windproof and waterproof layer and carry water, as there are no shops en route. In clear conditions Jura is easy to see from the headland.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Ruvaal Lighthouse? No. It is an active navigation light and the neighbouring cottages are private. You view the lighthouse from the coast.

How far is the lighthouse from Port Askaig? About 10 km to the north as the crow flies. You drive towards Bunnahabhain and cover the final stretch on foot.

Is the walk difficult? It needs no climbing skills, but the path is often muddy and wet. Good footwear and clothes for changeable weather matter most.

When was the lighthouse built? Between 1857 and 1859, with the first light on 1 January 1859. David and Thomas Stevenson designed it.