Start Point Lighthouse

Start Point Lighthouse is a black-and-white striped tower on the eastern tip of Sanday, one of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It sits on a low, rocky spit pushing out into the North Sea, and has warned ships off the shoals around the island for more than two centuries.

What makes this lighthouse special?

An unlit beacon tower went up at Start Point in 1802. In 1806 it gained Scotland's first revolving light, so sailors could tell it apart from the fixed lights on nearby coasts, notably North Ronaldsay. The original scheme is credited to engineers Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson of the Northern Lighthouse Board. The present round brick tower dates from the later 19th century (Canmore gives about 1870). The bold vertical black and white bands were added around 1915, and the tower is described as the only lighthouse in Scotland painted this way. It was automated in 1962 and is a category B listed building.

What is the setting like?

The tower stands on a small tidal islet, which the sea can cut off at high water. Visitors wait for the tide to drop before getting close. Interior visits are not generally offered, so the tower is best enjoyed from outside. Around it you will find the flat sandy beaches and low pastures typical of Sanday, with neighbouring Orkney islands visible on a clear day. It suits photography, seabird and seal watching, and an unhurried walk along the shore.

How do I get there?

Sanday lies in the North Isles of Orkney. Reach it by Orkney Ferries from Kirkwall, or by a short flight from Kirkwall, the town on the Orkney Mainland. An on-demand minibus serves the island, but a car or bicycle is the easiest option, as distances are short and the terrain is flat. The lighthouse stands at the island's eastern end in Lady parish. A road leads close by, and the last stretch is on foot.

When should I visit?

Late spring to early autumn gives long daylight and calmer weather. Check tide tables before setting off, since the tide decides how close you can get. The headland is exposed and often windy, so bring a windproof jacket.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside Start Point Lighthouse?

There is no regular interior tour. The tower is a working navigation aid, so you view it from outside.

Why is the tower striped?

The bands, added around 1915, work as a daymark, making the tower stand out against the low, flat coastline.

Does the tide cut off the lighthouse?

Yes. The islet it stands on can be isolated at high water, so plan your visit for low tide.

Is this the same as Start Point Lighthouse in Devon?

No. The Devon lighthouse in England is a different building. This one is on Sanday in Orkney.