Skervuile Lighthouse

Skervuile Lighthouse sits on a lone rock in the Sound of Jura, off the coast of Argyll and Bute in western Scotland. The tower stands about 4 km out from the east shore of the Isle of Jura, at the mouth of Lowlandman's Bay and not far from the village of Craighouse. It is a working navigation light. Visitors cannot land or go inside, but it can be seen from the shore.

What is Skervuile Lighthouse?

It is a rock lighthouse, built directly on a reef rising from the sea. Its job is to warn ships off dangerous stacks in the southern part of the Sound of Jura. The white tower is roughly 25 m tall and shows a single white flash every 15 seconds.

Who built it, and when?

The design is credited to the Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers, David and Thomas Stevenson. Thomas was the father of the writer Robert Louis Stevenson. The light was first lit in 1865, although the structure had been finished earlier. For about five years it stayed dark because of a dispute between the Northern Lighthouse Board and the Board of Trade. Some listings give 1860 as the year of establishment.

The light was automated in 1945 and downgraded to a minor light that year. No keepers have lived there since.

Can you visit the lighthouse?

No. It stands on an exposed rock in open water and is not open to the public. Even in the 19th century access was hard: in November 1881 a gale sank the lighthouse relief boat at her moorings in Lowlandman's Bay. Landing on the rock today would need the operator's permission, and the tides and weather in the sound can be demanding.

How can you see it?

Head for Jura's east coast. The area around Craighouse and Lowlandman's Bay offers good shoreline walks with views over the sound. The lighthouse shows as a small white mark on the horizon, so binoculars or a telephoto lens help. To reach Craighouse, take the ferry from Islay (Port Askaig to Feolin) and follow the island's single main road. Check ferry times before you travel.

When is the best time to go?

Visibility is best on calm, clear days, typically from late spring to early autumn. After dark the flashing light is visible from the coast, which makes an evening walk by the water worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside Skervuile Lighthouse? No. It stands on a rock in the sea and is not set up for visitors.

Where exactly is it? In the Sound of Jura, about 4 km off the east coast of Jura, at the entrance to Lowlandman's Bay.

Is the lighthouse still active? Yes. It has been automatic since 1945 and remains an aid to navigation.

Who designed it? The Stevenson engineering family. Sources name David and Thomas Stevenson.