Leith West Breakwater Lighthouse

Leith West Breakwater Lighthouse in Edinburgh is a derelict light standing at the tip of the western breakwater of Leith's harbour, on the Firth of Forth. For photographers and fans of industrial heritage, it is one of the most distinctive sights on the city's northern waterfront.

What is this building?

The lighthouse sits at the far end of a long concrete arm that shelters Western Harbour. The breakwaters of this part of the port were built between 1936 and 1942. Canmore, the archive of Historic Environment Scotland, records the structure as a lighthouse and signal tower dating from around 1950, although some guides give an earlier date, so sources do not fully agree.

It combines a low flat-roofed block with an octagonal tower carrying the lantern. The original light was retired and replaced by a small electric lamp on a tubular pole. The station no longer serves shipping, and locals know the spot as the "Point o' Leith".

What does it look like today?

The building is abandoned. Descriptions online mention smashed windows, a wrecked interior and torn-up flooring. From the outside, though, the proportions of the tower and the sheer length of the breakwater still make a striking scene against the open water of the firth.

What else is nearby?

• Western Harbour, a modern residential quarter with quaysides beside the breakwater.
• Views across the Firth of Forth towards Fife on a clear day.
• Northern Lighthouse Board vessels, which have been moored in this part of the port.
• The former royal yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal, a short distance away in Leith.

How do you get there?

The lighthouse is at the northern edge of Leith, about 4 km north of central Edinburgh. Take a city bus to Leith or Newhaven and walk along the waterfront. The breakwater is part of working port infrastructure, so check on site which sections are open and safe. The best views are from the shore or the promenade.

When should you visit?

Early morning and the hour before sunset give the best photographic light. Weather on the Forth changes quickly and the wind off the water is strong, so bring a windproof layer even in summer. Winter days are short, but the low sun gives the concrete a warm tone.

Frequently asked questions

Is the lighthouse still working? No. The main light has been withdrawn and the building is derelict. Only a small electric lamp on a pole remains.

Can you go inside? No. The structure is vandalised and not set up for visitors, so enjoy it from outside.

Is it the same lighthouse as the one on the east breakwater? No. Leith's port has an eastern and a western breakwater, each with its own light. This one is on the western arm.

How long should I plan for a visit? A walk around the Western Harbour quays with photo stops takes one to two hours, or half a day if you add Ocean Terminal and Britannia.