Rua Reidh Lighthouse

Rua Reidh Lighthouse sits on a remote headland near Gairloch, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. It guards the entrance to Loch Ewe, with open Atlantic water on almost every side. People come here for the winding road, the quiet and the sea views as much as for the tower itself.

What is the history of Rua Reidh Lighthouse?

Engineer David Stevenson first proposed a light on this headland in 1853, but the Board of Trade turned the request down because of the expense. The idea returned early in the twentieth century. David Alan Stevenson, then chief engineer to the Northern Lighthouse Board, designed the station, and the light first shone on 15 January 1912. The project cost well over ten thousand pounds.

The round tower is thought to be the last major lighthouse of circular section that the Stevenson family built on the Scottish mainland. The fog signal fell silent in 1980, when such sirens were withdrawn across Scotland. The light is now automatic and still serves shipping under the Northern Lighthouse Board.

What will you see here?

The white tower, the station buildings and the former keepers' quarters make a striking group against the rugged coast. On a clear day the view stretches across the Minch towards the Outer Hebrides. The area is known for its sunsets and, at night, very dark skies. With luck you may spot seabirds and seals, and in season porpoises and dolphins.

The old staff buildings are privately owned and used for accommodation: there is a bed and breakfast, plus self-catering quarters. The original lens, clockwork mechanism and foghorn were moved to the museum in Gairloch, where the lens can be viewed at floor level and from a gallery above.

How do you get to Rua Reidh Lighthouse?

From Gairloch, follow the B8021 towards the village of Melvaig, where the public road ends. A narrow private road of roughly three miles continues to the lighthouse. The drive from Gairloch takes around half an hour, and there is no public transport. Melvaig has a small car park for a handful of vehicles, and from there you can walk the rest. Check the current rules for driving the final stretch before you set off, as the road belongs to private owners.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring and summer bring long days and late sunsets. Autumn and winter offer a better chance of dark skies and dramatic storms, though weather on Scotland's north-west coast is changeable all year. Pack a windproof jacket and sturdy footwear even on a bright day.

What else is nearby?

Gairloch makes a natural base, with a local history museum, beaches and boat trips on the bay. The Torridon mountains, Inverewe Garden at Poolewe and a string of sandy bays along the northbound road are all within reach. The road from Gairloch to Melvaig is a scenic drive in itself, following the shoreline.

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb the lighthouse tower? The lighthouse is a working navigation station and the surrounding buildings are private. Ask the accommodation operator about visits before you arrive.

Can you stay overnight at Rua Reidh? Yes. The former buildings house a bed and breakfast and self-catering apartments.

How long is the drive from Gairloch? About half an hour by car along the B8021 through Melvaig, then the private final section.

Where can you see the original lens? At the museum in Gairloch, which displays the lens, clockwork mechanism and foghorn from Rua Reidh.