Tarbat Ness Lighthouse

Tarbat Ness Lighthouse stands on the north-eastern tip of the Tarbat Ness peninsula in Highland, close to the fishing village of Portmahomack on Scotland's east coast. Its white tower with two red bands is among the tallest lighthouses in the country and has guided ships past the mouth of the Moray Firth since 1830.

Why was a lighthouse built at Tarbat Ness?

A storm in November 1826 sank sixteen vessels in these waters, which added weight to calls for a permanent light on the headland. Robert Stevenson, the leading Scottish lighthouse engineer of his day, drew up the design, and James Smith of Inverness carried out the construction. The lamp was first lit on 26 January 1830, using Argand lamps with reflectors. The two red bands were added in 1915 to make the tower easier to spot by day. The station was automated in 1985 and is run by the Northern Lighthouse Board. The old optic is now held by the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

How tall is it?

The tower rises about 41 metres, and the light sits 53 m above sea level. Visitors who climbed it in the keepers' era would have counted 203 steps to the top. Several sources rank it as Scotland's third-tallest lighthouse. As a working navigation aid it is normally seen from outside rather than visited inside.

How do you get there?

The classic approach is on foot from Portmahomack. The circular route is roughly 11 km (6.8 miles): out along the shore path to the lighthouse and back by a country lane. A longer variant of about 15 km follows a faint trail across grass, mud and steep slopes. For a short outing of about 1.4 km, drive to the parking area just south of the lighthouse and walk from there. Portmahomack has a free car park on the left as you enter the village.

What else is there to see?

The peninsula is good for watching seabirds, and with luck you may spot dolphins in the Moray Firth. Maritime heath covers much of the coast. Several former keepers' cottages beside the tower now serve as holiday accommodation.

When should you go?

Pick a clear day from spring to early autumn. From late February to July, young calves graze near the shore path, so keep dogs on leads and give the animals space. Wear proper walking shoes: the ground gets boggy after rain and the headland is usually windy.

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb the lighthouse? It is an active navigation station, and climbing the tower is not a standard visitor activity. Most people admire it from the outside.

Who designed Tarbat Ness Lighthouse? Robert Stevenson designed it and James Smith of Inverness built it. The first light shone in 1830.

How long is the walk from Portmahomack? The loop of around 11 km usually takes several hours, depending on pace and stops. The short route from the lighthouse car park is about 1.4 km.

Is the lighthouse still in use? Yes. It has been automated since 1985 and remains a navigation aid at the entrance to the Moray Firth.