Ram's Head Lighthouse

Ram's Head Lighthouse stands on the south coast of the Walls peninsula in West Mainland, Shetland, roughly 3 km south of the village of Walls. It guides vessels into the sheltered waters of Vaila Sound and still works today as an automatic navigation light.

Where is Ram's Head Lighthouse?

The light sits on the Ram's Head headland, on the western side of the entrance to Gruting Voe in Scotland. Walls is the nearest settlement, and the island of Vaila lies across the sound. It is not to be confused with other places called Ram's Head elsewhere in Britain, or with other Shetland lights such as Fugla Ness and Sumburgh Head.

What is its history?

The light was established in 1894 to a design by David A. Stevenson, of the well-known Scottish family of lighthouse engineers. The Northern Lighthouse Board runs it and lists it as Vaila Sound. You may also see it called White Ness, Whiteness, Whites Ness or Easter Sound.

In 1970 it was converted to propane. Canmore, the Scottish heritage record, notes it was the last automatic light in the country to be switched to that fuel. The present structure is a skeletal metal tower about 5 metres tall, clad in white panels.

What does it look like, and how does it shine?

This is a lightweight framework rather than a traditional stone tower with a keeper's house. The light flashes every 8 seconds. The white sector reaches 9 nautical miles, and the red and green sectors 6 nautical miles. The coloured sectors mark hazardous stretches of water for mariners.

What should you know before visiting?

It is a working navigation aid, not a museum, so there is no interior access or ticketing. It is best enjoyed as part of a drive or coastal outing around the Walls peninsula. The area is remote, Shetland weather changes quickly and headlands can be very windy, so bring a windproof jacket and sturdy footwear. Check local advice on the route in, as the ground is crofting land and clifftop.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ram's Head Lighthouse still in use?

Yes. It is automatic and operates as a navigation light under the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Who designed it?

David A. Stevenson designed it, and the light dates from 1894.

Can you go inside?

No. It is an active aid to navigation with a small skeletal tower, and there is no interior visit.

Is it the same as the Vaila Sound light?

Yes. Vaila Sound is the name the Northern Lighthouse Board uses for the Ram's Head light.