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About this place
Weavers Point Lighthouse stands on the northern side of the entrance to Loch Maddy on North Uist, in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. The headland is known in Gaelic as Rubha an Fhigheadair. The light is active but closed to visitors, so it is a spot for lighthouse enthusiasts and coastline lovers who are happy to look from a distance.
What kind of lighthouse is it?
The Northern Lighthouse Board, Scotland's general lighthouse authority, operates the light. The present tower dates from 1980: a square structure about 20 metres tall, clad in white aluminium panels, with the lantern on top. It flashes white once every 3 seconds and can be seen for roughly 7 nautical miles. It is automated and has no resident keepers.
The headland carried a light well before that. An 1891 notice in the London Gazette mentions a light at Weaver Point on the north side of the Loch Maddy entrance. Sources disagree on the details of the earlier installation, so the firm date is 1980 for the present tower only.
Can you go inside?
No. The station belongs to its operator and is not open to the public. The Western Isles heritage record lists no protected status for it, and visitor accounts describe the overland approach as a long walk across rough, boggy ground. From the sea, the landing involves steps cut into the cliff, which is a job for authorised crews. Most visitors will have to settle for a view from a boat or from the distant shore.
How do you get to the area?
The nearest village is Lochmaddy, North Uist's main port, which receives the ferry from Uig on Skye. A car is the easiest way around the island. Before setting off on foot towards the headland, check the forecast and the ground conditions: there are no waymarked paths to the lighthouse and the coast is exposed to wind.
When should you go?
Late spring to early autumn offers long days and calmer weather for exploring the Hebrides. Winter brings short days and frequent gales. In the evening you may catch the beam from around Lochmaddy.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Weavers Point Lighthouse?
North of the entrance to Loch Maddy, on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides.
When was the current tower built?
In 1980. An older light is mentioned on the headland as early as 1891.
Can visitors tour the lighthouse?
No. It is unavailable to tourists and run automatically by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
What is its light character?
One white flash every 3 seconds, with a range of about 7 nautical miles.
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