Tayport East Lighthouse

Tayport East Lighthouse in Tayport, Fife, is the Low Light of a pair of navigation beacons built in 1823 above the Firth of Tay. Today it stands as a protected landmark on the edge of town, and walkers can view it from a public path.

What is Tayport East Lighthouse?

Also known as Tayport Low Lighthouse, this tower was raised in 1823 as the lower of two lights guarding the entrance to the Tay estuary. Captains lined it up with the taller High Light behind it to hold a safe course. A plaque on an adjoining building names Trinity House, Dundee as the builder.

Why did the light go out?

The Low Light was discontinued in 1848. It was judged too close to the High Light to give an accurate bearing, and a pile light built out in the water took over its job. Since then the tower has survived as a heritage building rather than a working aid to shipping.

Is it a listed building?

Yes. Historic Environment Scotland lists it as a Category B building, entered as "East Lighthouse, West Lights, West Common" (reference LB41950) on 2 May 1973. Category B marks a building of regional importance.

Can you go inside?

No. The tower and its grounds are privately owned and closed to the public, so you can only look at it from outside. Please respect the boundary and stay off the private land.

How do you get to Tayport East Lighthouse?

Both land-based Tayport lighthouses sit on the town's Lighthouse Walk, which starts at a car park on Commonty Road. The tower stands at roughly 56.453 N, 2.892 W, at the edge of Tayport facing the estuary. From Dundee you can drive over the Tay Road Bridge, and the walk from the car park takes about a quarter of an hour.

What else is nearby?

The taller West (High) Lighthouse stands close by, also listed, alongside a row of former keepers' cottages known as West Lights. Seeing the low and high towers on one outing makes it easy to understand how a leading-light pair worked. Beyond them the path follows the shoreline of the estuary, with views across the water.

Frequently asked questions

When was Tayport East Lighthouse built?

In 1823. A plaque on the neighbouring building gives that year and credits Trinity House, Dundee.

Is the lighthouse still in use?

No. The Low Light was discontinued in 1848 because it stood too near the High Light.

Can I visit the interior?

No, it is private property. You can see the tower from outside while walking the Lighthouse Walk.

Where does the walk begin?

At the car park on Commonty Road in Tayport.