Little Ross Lighthouse

Little Ross Lighthouse stands on the small island of Little Ross, just off the coast near Kirkcudbright in Galloway, south-west Scotland. The tower guards the mouth of Kirkcudbright Bay and has guided ships through the waters of the Solway Firth since the 1840s.

Where is Little Ross and what is the island like?

The island covers roughly 12 hectares (29 acres) and lies south of the town of Kirkcudbright, beside the Meikle Ross headland on the mainland. Two small rocks, Sugarloaf and Fox Craig, break the surface close by. Power comes only from solar panels and a small wind turbine, and there are no ordinary visitor facilities.

Why was a lighthouse built here?

The first navigation aids were two stone beacons put up on the island in 1819. They proved too little: a severe storm in 1835 claimed more vessels and crews, and local pressure finally persuaded the Commissioners of the Northern Lights, today's Northern Lighthouse Board, to commission a proper light. Alan Stevenson, of the celebrated Scottish lighthouse-building family, designed it, and it was completed in 1843, with Thomas Stevenson working on site as resident engineer. The cost came to about £8,478. The light flashed every five seconds and could be seen from around 18 nautical miles. The tower is about 20 metres tall and is a Category B listed building.

What is the island's dark history?

Many people in Britain know Little Ross for 1960. Relief keeper Hugh Clark was killed by his fellow keeper Robert Dickson, who was convicted of murder. A visitor to the island discovered the body. The case earned Little Ross the nickname "murder island", and it still features in books and local history writing.

Can you visit the lighthouse?

The island is privately owned and reachable only by private boat or helicopter. There are no scheduled crossings and no open access for tourists. The tower itself remains the property of the Northern Lighthouse Board, while the keepers' cottages and surrounding land were sold separately when the island came onto the market in 2017. For a view from the mainland, try the coast around Kirkcudbright and the Meikle Ross headland.

When should you go, and what else is nearby?

The Solway coast is at its best from late spring to early autumn, when days are long and the sea is calmer. Look towards the island in the evening, because the lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation. Kirkcudbright itself, known as an artists' town, makes a good base, with galleries, a harbour and a castle. Pick a day with clear visibility and bring binoculars.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get to Little Ross? The island is private with no regular service. Access is only by private boat or helicopter, with the owners' permission.

Who designed the lighthouse? Alan Stevenson of the Stevenson family. It was finished in 1843, with Thomas Stevenson as resident engineer.

Is the lighthouse still working? Yes. It remains under the Northern Lighthouse Board and serves shipping at the mouth of Kirkcudbright Bay.

Why is the island famous? For the 1960 murder of keeper Hugh Clark, which gave the island the nickname "murder island".