Tayport West Lighthouse

Tayport West Lighthouse is a former navigation light in the town of Tayport, Fife, on the southern shore of the Firth of Tay in Scotland. Locals also call it the High Lighthouse. Together with its neighbour, the East or Low Lighthouse, it formed a pair of leading lights that guided ships towards Dundee.

What is Tayport West Lighthouse?

The tower dates from 1823. It worked as the back light of a pair: a captain who saw both lights lined up knew the vessel was on the safe channel. The tower was later raised and given an octagonal lantern cupola, so its profile today differs from the original. Former keepers' cottages, known as West Lights, are attached to the tower.

The lighthouse and its cottages are protected by Historic Environment Scotland as a Category B listed building (reference LB41953), listed in 1973.

Why does Tayport have three lighthouses?

The East Lighthouse, also built in 1823, went out of service in 1848. The Pile Lighthouse, standing on a foundation of piles in the Firth of Tay and also Category B listed, took over its role. The two land towers remain as reminders of the earlier system, while the pile light stands in the water at the harbour approach.

How do you get to the lighthouses?

They sit on West Common at the edge of Tayport. A short walk from the public car park on Commonty Road brings you to both. The path crosses open ground with views over the mouth of the Tay. Tayport lies on the northern tip of Fife, facing Broughty Ferry, and the Tay Road Bridge into Dundee is a short drive away.

What will you see?

• A white tower with an octagonal cupola and a row of keepers' cottages beside it.
• The lower East Lighthouse a short distance away, which is privately owned and not open inside.
• Views across the estuary to the Angus shore and to the pile light on the water.
• Shoreline dunes and beach, good for a dog walk or a short run.

When should you visit?

The towers can be viewed from outside all year. Morning and the hour before sunset usually give the best photo light, and autumn colours make the common especially pretty. On clear days the far shore stands out sharply across the estuary.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse?

No. The tower and adjoining buildings are viewed from outside, and the lower East Lighthouse is privately owned.

Is there an entrance fee?

No. The ground around the lighthouses is open to all, and the car park on Commonty Road is public.

What is the difference between the West and East lighthouses?

West is the High light, raised in later years and topped with a cupola. East is the Low light, retired in 1848. Both were built in 1823.

Is this the same as Buddon Ness lighthouse?

No. Buddon Ness is on the opposite, northern side of the Tay mouth in Angus and has its own pair of towers from 1865–66.