Coast in the United Kingdom

Lighthouse, Lybster Harbour

Lybster

Lybster Harbour Lighthouse is a small octagonal tower topped with a domed lantern, standing at the harbour of Lybster village in Caithness, Highland, on Scotland's north-east coast. It is a Category B listed building (LB7954) and a neat landmark above a former herring port. What is it? The lighthouse belongs to the Invershore harbour complex. It is modest in scale, more a harbour marker than a tall sea tower, and it is easy to photograph from the quayside. Ordnance Survey maps from the early 1900s show it as a lighthouse with a fixed red light. It was restored after 2008, and Historic Environment Scotland now classes it as a beacon rather than a working lighthouse. Why does Lybster harbour matter? Fishing at the mouth of the Reisgill Burn may go back to Viking times. Organised herring fishing took off in 1790, when a wooden pier went up, and General Patrick Sinclair laid out the planned village in 1802. By 1859 the port had 357 fishing boats, making it the third busiest in Scotland after Wick and Fraserburgh. A storm in 1847 wrecked the harbour and killed seven fishermen. Engineer Joseph Mitchell rebuilt and enlarged it between 1850 and 1854, and further repairs followed storms in 1877. As herring grew scarce, the industry concentrated in Wick, though white-fish boats and a new inner harbour in 1950 kept Lybster working for a while. What can you see? The lighthouse and the harbour wall, with views over the North Sea and the Caithness coast. Two storehouses built against each other, used for salmon and herring processing until after the Second World War. The Waterlines heritage centre, set in restored early 19th-century storehouses. Its displays cover the herring story, local history and geology, and there is a cafe. When should you visit? Waterlines is usually open from May to September, but hours can change, so check before you go. The harbour and lighthouse can be seen all year. Long summer evenings give the softest light for walking and photos. How do you get there? Lybster lies on the A99 between Wick and Helmsdale, roughly 20 km south of Wick. A car is the easiest way. The harbour sits at the bottom of the village, reached by a short road down from the main street. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It is a small structure that you view from outside. Is there an entry fee? Looking at the lighthouse and harbour is free. Check admission details for Waterlines locally or with the operator. How long should you allow? Thirty to forty-five minutes covers the harbour and lighthouse. Add up to an hour more if you visit the Waterlines museum. Is it a good stop on the North Coast 500? Yes. Lybster is on the eastern stretch of the coast and suits a short break for coffee and a walk around the harbour.

Fugla Ness Lighthouse

Bridge End

Fugla Ness Lighthouse marks the western tip of West Burra in the Shetland Islands, close to Bridge End and Hamnavoe. It is a small white tower guarding the entrance to Burra Voe, and you can spot it from several points along the southwest coast of Burra and the Mainland. Where is Fugla Ness Lighthouse? The light stands on a narrow finger of land forming the western side of Burra Voe, about a quarter of a mile west of the landing at Burravoe. Its coordinates are roughly 60.108 N, 1.344 W. Burra is an inhabited island linked to the Mainland by a bridge, so reaching it by car is easy. Do not confuse it with the headland also called Fugla Ness near Mossbank on the Mainland, which has no lighthouse. What is its history? The first light was lit here in 1893, designed by David A. Stevenson of the renowned Scottish lighthouse-building family. In 1936 the station was rebuilt as a white round tower about 8 metres (26 ft) tall, credited to David A. and Charles Stevenson. The light is automated, so there is no keeper in residence. How does the light work? It shows white, red and green sectors, with a maximum range of 10 nautical miles, around 16 km. The colours help fishing boats and ferries steer safely through the waters around Burra and towards Scalloway and Lerwick. How do you walk to the lighthouse? Drive to Hamnavoe, the main settlement on Burra, and continue on foot. The route follows the bay, crossing beaches and, in places, large boulders, so wear sturdy footwear. You cannot go inside the tower, but it is clearly visible from Burra village, which is enough for many visitors. The path is short but unsurfaced, and it can be slippery in wind and swell. What else is nearby? Burra is known for its cliffs, sea caves and beaches. You can pair the lighthouse with a stroll around Hamnavoe, a working fishing port, and short walks along the neighbouring inlets. The area suits seabird and seal watching. When should you visit? Shetland is at its best from May to September, when days are very long and the evening light flatters the tower against the sea. The weather changes quickly and it is windy year-round, so bring a windproof layer even in summer. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside Fugla Ness Lighthouse? No. It is an operating, automated light and visitors view it from outside. Is there an entry fee? No, the area is open and the coastal walk is free. How far is it from Hamnavoe? A short walk around the bay, usually a few tens of minutes each way depending on pace and ground conditions. Can you see it without walking there? Yes, it is well visible from Burra village and from the shore of the bay.

Ram's Head Lighthouse

Walls

Ram's Head Lighthouse stands on the south coast of the Walls peninsula in West Mainland, Shetland, roughly 3 km south of the village of Walls. It guides vessels into the sheltered waters of Vaila Sound and still works today as an automatic navigation light. Where is Ram's Head Lighthouse? The light sits on the Ram's Head headland, on the western side of the entrance to Gruting Voe in Scotland. Walls is the nearest settlement, and the island of Vaila lies across the sound. It is not to be confused with other places called Ram's Head elsewhere in Britain, or with other Shetland lights such as Fugla Ness and Sumburgh Head. What is its history? The light was established in 1894 to a design by David A. Stevenson, of the well-known Scottish family of lighthouse engineers. The Northern Lighthouse Board runs it and lists it as Vaila Sound. You may also see it called White Ness, Whiteness, Whites Ness or Easter Sound. In 1970 it was converted to propane. Canmore, the Scottish heritage record, notes it was the last automatic light in the country to be switched to that fuel. The present structure is a skeletal metal tower about 5 metres tall, clad in white panels. What does it look like, and how does it shine? This is a lightweight framework rather than a traditional stone tower with a keeper's house. The light flashes every 8 seconds. The white sector reaches 9 nautical miles, and the red and green sectors 6 nautical miles. The coloured sectors mark hazardous stretches of water for mariners. What should you know before visiting? It is a working navigation aid, not a museum, so there is no interior access or ticketing. It is best enjoyed as part of a drive or coastal outing around the Walls peninsula. The area is remote, Shetland weather changes quickly and headlands can be very windy, so bring a windproof jacket and sturdy footwear. Check local advice on the route in, as the ground is crofting land and clifftop. Frequently asked questions Is Ram's Head Lighthouse still in use? Yes. It is automatic and operates as a navigation light under the Northern Lighthouse Board. Who designed it? David A. Stevenson designed it, and the light dates from 1894. Can you go inside? No. It is an active aid to navigation with a small skeletal tower, and there is no interior visit. Is it the same as the Vaila Sound light? Yes. Vaila Sound is the name the Northern Lighthouse Board uses for the Ram's Head light.

North Rona Lighthouse

North Rona Lighthouse stands on North Rona, a remote island far north of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. The light has operated since 1984 and is run by the Northern Lighthouse Board. Treat it as a place to know about rather than a stop on a normal itinerary: there is no village, shop or visitor harbour anywhere nearby. Where is North Rona Lighthouse? The lighthouse sits at the northern end of Rona, an island usually called North Rona to separate it from South Rona in the Inner Hebrides. The island covers about 109 hectares and rises to 108 m (354 ft). Its coordinates are roughly 59.12° N, 5.81° W. Nobody lives there. When was the light built? The current station dates from 1984. Be careful with online mix-ups: the 1857 date and the Stevenson family design belong to Rona Lighthouse on South Rona, a different site entirely. North Rona's light is a much later installation, maintained by the NLB within Scotland's network of navigation aids. What else is on the island? The lighthouse is only part of the story. North Rona is a nature reserve and, together with neighbouring Sula Sgeir, one of the key seabird breeding grounds in Britain. Around 130,000 birds of fifteen species are counted across the two islands, with internationally important numbers of storm petrel, Leach's petrel, gannet and guillemot. It is also a Special Area of Conservation for grey seals. The colony is the third largest breeding site in the UK, producing roughly 5% of the country's annual pups, and the seals use submerged sea caves along the coast. People left their mark too. Tradition places the hermit Saint Ronan here in the 8th century, and a cell, a small chapel and grave markers survive. Permanent residents left in the early 19th century, with some sources giving around 1844. How do you get there? There is no scheduled service. A crossing needs settled weather and an experienced boat operator, and landing can be impossible in heavy swell. Because the island is a protected reserve, contact NatureScot and the Northern Lighthouse Board about access rules before planning any visit. Take particular care during the seabird breeding season. When is the best time to go? Summer seas are usually calmer, but that is also when birds are nesting and need to be left undisturbed. Build in plenty of slack for weather changes. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside North Rona Lighthouse? No. It is a working navigation aid inside a nature reserve and is not open to visitors. Does anyone live on the island? No. It has been uninhabited since the early 19th century. Is this the same lighthouse as Rona on South Rona? No. The 1857 lighthouse on South Rona is in the Inner Hebrides. North Rona Lighthouse was built in 1984. What is worth seeing nearby? Seabird colonies, the grey seal population and the remains of Saint Ronan's hermitage, provided access complies with reserve rules.

Penzance South Pier Light

Penzance

Penzance South Pier Light is the small harbour lighthouse at the end of South Pier in Penzance, Cornwall. The cast-iron tower, roughly 9 metres tall, dates from 1855 and still marks the entrance to the harbour on Mount's Bay. It sits right in the middle of Penzance's waterfront, so you can reach it on an ordinary seafront stroll. What is the South Pier lighthouse? The light was added during the final extension of the pier between 1853 and 1855, and it was first lit on 1 August 1855. The lighthouse has its own Historic England entry at Grade II, listed in 1977. The pier it stands on ranks higher, at Grade II*, a status it received in a 2010 upgrade. What will you see there? A slim, low tower on a stone quay, surrounded by harbour water. From the pier you look across Mount's Bay and, in clear weather, to the outline of St Michael's Mount. Fishing boats and yachts fill the harbour, and the ferry to the Isles of Scilly sails from the nearby quay. The lighthouse makes a good subject for sunrise and sunset photos. What else is nearby? A short walk along the shore, on Battery Rocks, is Jubilee Pool, an Art Deco seawater lido opened in 1935 and designed by borough engineer Captain F. Latham. It is also Grade II listed and is one of the town's best-known attractions. The two sights combine easily into one outing. How do you get there? Penzance railway station is a few minutes' walk from the harbour. The South West Coast Path also runs along the waterfront, so walkers heading towards Mousehole pass the lighthouse. There are car parks by the harbour, but they fill up quickly in summer, so the train or bus is the easier choice. When should you go? The pier can be walked all year. Early morning and evening give the best light for photographs, and summer brings long days and calmer weather. In storms waves can wash over the quay, so take care in strong winds. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It is a working navigation light for the harbour, viewed from the pier and quay. Is there an entry fee? No, the quay is open to everyone at no charge. How long do you need? The walk to the lighthouse and back takes 20 to 30 minutes. Add Jubilee Pool and a coffee stop and plan on about two hours. Is this the same as the Longships or Wolf Rock lighthouse? No. This is a small harbour light. Longships and Wolf Rock stand on rocks out at sea.

Dover Breakwater Knuckle light

Dover

Dover Breakwater Knuckle light is a white cast-iron lighthouse in Dover, Kent, standing at the bend of the Southern Breakwater in the Outer Harbour. It is one of two lights on the breakwater, both dating from 1909, and the breakwater itself is Grade II listed. What is the Knuckle light? The "Knuckle" is the point where the long breakwater turns north, roughly three quarters of the way along its length. The lighthouse stands right there. It has a cylindrical, three-stage tower painted white, a domed lantern and an external walkway carried on brackets. It is about 16 metres tall. The Kent Historic Environment Record describes it as sitting on a concrete service building, while the national listing text mentions a large rectangular granite plinth. Chance Brothers probably made it, since its twin at the western end follows the same standard design. How was the breakwater built? Work on the Southern Breakwater began in 1898 and finished by 1909 as part of the Admiralty Harbour, a major expansion of Dover for the Royal Navy. Together with the Eastern Arm and an extension of the Admiralty Pier, it gave the fleet a sheltered anchorage in an era of torpedo fears. The contractor was Coode, Son and Mathews. The structure is made of concrete blocks weighing 26 to 42 tons each, faced with granite above the waterline. The Historic England entry covers the whole breakwater with both the Knuckle and the western lighthouses, and it was listed at Grade II in December 2009. What role did it play in wartime? The bend was a defensive position. Two six-inch guns in concrete emplacements, known as the Breakwater Battery, were set on the Southern Breakwater. During the First World War, coastal batteries were built at both ends. The Knuckle received searchlight positions, and two four-inch guns were added toward the end of the war. The remains of the Knuckle battery are recorded on the Kent HER. How can you see it? The breakwater lies inside the working port, so you view the light from a distance. The best vantage points are Dover's seafront promenade and the deck of a ferry heading for Calais or Dunkirk. From there the lighthouse stands against the outer harbour, beside the long granite-faced wall. Bring binoculars or a camera with a longer lens. Is it the same as the Admiralty Pier light? No. The Admiralty Pier has its own separate lighthouse, while the Knuckle belongs to the Southern Breakwater. The breakwater's other light, the western one, stands at the opposite end. Frequently asked questions Can I go inside or onto the Knuckle light? No. It stands on a breakwater inside the port and is not open to visitors. How old is it? It dates from 1909, like the rest of the Southern Breakwater lights. Where exactly is it? At the bend of the Southern Breakwater, about three quarters of the way out from the shore, where the wall turns north. Is it a listed structure? Yes. It is covered by the Grade II listing for the whole Southern Breakwater and both of its lighthouses.

Admiralty Pier light

Dover

Admiralty Pier light in Dover is a cast-iron harbour lighthouse marking the seaward end of Admiralty Pier, the western arm of the port in Kent. It is protected as part of a Grade II listing that covers the whole pier and its associated structures. What is the Admiralty Pier light? It is a working harbour light managed by Dover Harbour Board. The tower rises about 22 m (72 ft) and dates from 1908. It shows a white flash every 7.5 seconds, guiding vessels into one of the busiest ports on the English Channel. What does it look like? The tower stands on a round stone base. A central cylindrical iron column holds the staircase, six iron struts surround it, and a lantern crowns the top. The open ironwork gives it a distinctly industrial Victorian-to-Edwardian look, quite unlike a traditional masonry lighthouse. What is its history? The site has a longer story than the present tower. The Kent heritage record dates a light here to 1842, although sources disagree on whether that earliest station was a standalone tower. By 1876 a red tower about 30 ft tall stood on the pier, and the current structure replaced it in 1908. The pier itself was begun in 1847 following the recommendations of the third Royal Commission of 1845. James Walker and Alfred Burges designed it, and Sir John Robinson McClean completed the work after Burges died. The landward section was finished in stages by 1872. The seaward extension of 1898 to 1909 was planned by Coode, Son and Mathews as part of the Admiralty Harbour of Refuge. Railway lines reached the pier in the 1860s, tying the harbour to ferry and train services. Can you visit, and what else is nearby? The lighthouse sits inside an operating port, so it is best seen from the waterfront and from the sea. Access to the pier itself is set by Dover Harbour Board, so check its current guidance before you go. Other harbour structures such as the Dover Breakwater are close by, and Dover Castle overlooks the town. Frequently asked questions Is the Admiralty Pier light a listed building? Yes. It forms part of the entry for Admiralty Pier and associated structures, listed at Grade II on 16 December 2009. When was the current lighthouse built? In 1908, during the seaward extension of the pier. It replaced an earlier red tower from 1876. Is the light still in operation? Yes. It shows a white flash every 7.5 seconds and is managed by Dover Harbour Board. Who designed the pier? James Walker and Alfred Burges produced the original design, and Coode, Son and Mathews planned the later seaward extension.

Lowestoft Lighthouse

East Suffolk

Lowestoft Lighthouse in East Suffolk is a brick tower built in 1874 on the North Sea coast of England. Run by Trinity House, it is regarded as the most easterly lighthouse in the United Kingdom. Why visit Lowestoft Lighthouse? Lowestoft sits close to Ness Point, the easternmost spot in Britain, and the lighthouse is among the town's most photographed landmarks. The tower itself is about 16 metres tall, but it stands on high ground, which puts the lamp roughly 37 metres above sea level. The beam carries 23 nautical miles. The light was automated in 1975, so no keepers live here any more. What is its history? Navigation lights have marked this stretch of coast since 1609, when ships were threading their way past the sandbanks off Suffolk. The present tower dates from 1874. Two keepers' cottages, North Cottage and South Cottage, stand alongside it. Is it a listed building? Yes. The lighthouse and its two cottages are protected together as a Grade II listed group. Lowestoft also has separate Grade II entries for the Low Lighthouse, the lower of the old pair of leading lights, so take care not to confuse the two structures. How to plan a visit Pair the lighthouse with a walk through the older part of town and on to Ness Point. Most visitors admire the tower from outside; the brickwork and the cottages photograph well, especially in afternoon light. Whether access inside is possible at any given time is a matter for Trinity House, so check its official site before you travel. What else is nearby? Ness Point, the easternmost point of Britain, with its commemorative marker. The seafront promenade and beaches of Lowestoft. The fishing harbour and historic old-town streets. Frequently asked questions Is Lowestoft Lighthouse the most easterly in Britain? Yes, it is generally described as the UK's most easterly lighthouse. It stands near Ness Point, the country's easternmost point. When was the current lighthouse built? In 1874. Earlier lights on the site go back to 1609. Is the light still in use? Yes. It has a range of 23 nautical miles and has been automated since 1975, so it needs no resident keeper. Is the lighthouse a listed building? Yes. It is Grade II listed, together with the two keepers' cottages beside it.

Coquet Lighthouse

Amble

Coquet Lighthouse sits on Coquet Island, roughly a mile off the Northumberland coast beside the small town of Amble, England. Its square sandstone tower rises above a low, flat island that now serves as a seabird reserve. You cannot go inside, yet boat trips from Amble bring you close enough for a good look. What is the story behind the lighthouse? Trinity House completed it in 1841 to a design by its consulting engineer James Walker, at a cost of a little over £3,200. The tower was built over the remains of a medieval Benedictine monastery. The lighthouse and its attached buildings are Grade II* listed. The first keeper was William Darling, elder brother of Grace Darling, the lifeboat heroine of the nearby Farne Islands. Today Trinity House runs the light, which is monitored remotely from Harwich. Can you land on the island? No. The Duke of Northumberland owns the island and the RSPB manages it as a nature reserve. Public landings are banned to protect nesting birds, so the lighthouse is seen from the water only. What will you see on a cruise? The tower and the former keepers' cottages against open sea. Puffins, which breed here in large numbers and normally return in March and April. Roseate terns, among Britain's rarest seabirds. Coquet holds the biggest colony in the country. Other terns, eider ducks and grey seals, which stay all year. More than 40,000 seabirds breed on the island in total. How do you get there? Boats leave from Amble harbour. Puffin Cruises, a family firm, has run trips since 1969. A cruise takes about an hour and depends on tides and weather, so check times before you travel, because sailings do not run in every condition. Amble has cafes and shops by the harbour, and sits on the Northumberland coast route. When is the best time to visit? Aim for April to July, when birds occupy their nests. Outside the breeding season the island is almost empty, though the lighthouse remains visible from shore on clear days. Frequently asked questions Can I tour the inside of the lighthouse? No. The island is a reserve and public landing is prohibited. Where do I board a boat to see it up close? At Amble harbour. Boats approach the island but do not dock. When do puffins appear? Usually from spring into early summer, after arriving in March and April. Who looks after the lighthouse and the island? Trinity House operates the light, and the RSPB manages the island as a reserve. The Duke of Northumberland owns the land.

Tyne South Pier light

South Tyneside

Tyne South Pier light in South Shields (South Tyneside, England) marks the end of the southern pier at the mouth of the River Tyne. It belongs to a Victorian harbour structure that is now a protected heritage asset. What is the South Pier lighthouse? The pier and its lighthouse are protected together. In 2016 they were listed at Grade II as "Pier and lighthouse, 1854-1895". The engineers James Walker and, later, John F. Ure designed the works for the Tyne Improvement Commissioners, the body that ran the port. Why were the piers built? Parliament-backed plans for two piers date to 1852. Their purpose was to reduce the number of ships wrecked on the Tyne Bar, the shoal across the river entrance. Construction dragged on for decades, and heavy storms carried away sections of both piers while they were being built. The southern pier was completed in 1895, and local archives record that the lights were first lit on 11 November 1895. What will you see? The outer end of the pier curves, and the lighthouse stands there. A stone gallery with metal railings circles the tower, carrying a bronze fog bell, and above it sits a cast-iron, glazed lantern. The tower is about 12 metres (39 ft) tall, with the light at roughly 15 metres (49 ft) above the sea. From the pier you look over the harbour entrance, ships heading into the Tyne and, across the water, Tynemouth with its own north pier. Do not mix the two: this lighthouse is on the south side, in South Shields. How do you get there? South Shields sits on the south bank of the Tyne in Tyne and Wear. The pier starts at the seafront end of town, and the walk to the lighthouse follows the whole length of the structure. Check South Tyneside Council for current access and opening arrangements before you go, as the walkway can close for repairs or bad weather. When should you visit? Pick a clear day, when both sides of the river mouth are easy to see. In storms, waves break over the piers, so stay off the structure in rough weather. At dusk the lighthouse is working, which makes an evening visit worthwhile. Frequently asked questions Is the Tyne South Pier lighthouse a listed building? Yes. The pier and lighthouse have been Grade II listed since 2016. When was it built? The pier was finished in 1895, and the lights were first lit on 11 November that year. Is it the same as the Tynemouth pier light? No. Tynemouth lies on the north side of the river mouth and has its own pier. This lighthouse is in South Shields, to the south. Is there another lighthouse nearby? Yes. South Shields also has the South Groyne, known as Herd Groyne Lighthouse, built between 1861 and 1867 while the pier was under construction.

Holyhead Mail Pier Lighthouse

Holyhead Mail Pier Lighthouse is a disused lighthouse at the end of Admiralty Pier in Holyhead harbour, on Anglesey in north Wales. It stands on Salt Island, in the part of the port that handled the mail and passenger crossings to Ireland from the early 1800s. Cadw lists it as a Grade II building. Who designed it and why was it built? The engineer John Rennie drew up the design in 1821. He died later that year and never saw it built. The tower belongs to the harbour works authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1810, when Holyhead was chosen as the main link with Ireland. Post Office steam packets needed a safe approach to the new harbour, and a light at the pier head marked the way in. The tower rises three storeys, tapers slightly and is faced in dressed stone, reaching roughly 15 metres. It was the last of three lighthouses to occupy Salt Island in turn. You may also see it called Admiralty Pier Lighthouse or Salt Island Lighthouse. Why does it no longer shine? When the much larger harbour, sheltered by a long breakwater, opened in 1873, the Holyhead Breakwater Lighthouse took over. The pier light lost its navigational role but remains a surviving piece of Rennie's harbour scheme. Do not confuse it with the Breakwater light or with South Stack, which sits on a rocky islet on the other side of the peninsula. Can you visit it? The lighthouse is inside the working ferry port, in a restricted area. You cannot go inside, and the site is fenced off. The tower can be seen from nearby streets along the waterfront, such as Turkey Shore Road. Daytime is best, when the whole harbour is visible. If you want closer access, ask the port authority or the ferry operator, Stena Line, in advance. How do you get to Holyhead? The town sits on Holy Island at the western end of Anglesey, linked to the mainland coast by two bridges. From England, drive the A55 along the north Wales coast, or take the train via Chester. The railway station is beside the harbour, a short walk from the waterfront. Ferries leave from here for Dublin. What else is nearby? Admiralty Pier carries the George IV Arch, a monument to the king's 1821 visit. Further out on the island, Holyhead Mountain rises above sea cliffs, and the South Stack lighthouse is reached by a stairway down the cliff. Frequently asked questions Is Holyhead Mail Pier Lighthouse still working? No. It stopped serving shipping after the new harbour opened in 1873 and the breakwater light replaced it. Who designed the lighthouse? John Rennie, in 1821. He did not live to see the work completed. Can I go inside? No. It stands in a restricted part of the port, so it is viewed from outside, from the public spots along the waterfront. Is this the same as South Stack Lighthouse? No. South Stack is a separate lighthouse on an islet a few kilometres from the town centre, while Mail Pier stands in the harbour.

Vaternish Lighthouse

Vaternish Lighthouse sits on Waternish Point, the north-western tip of the Waternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye, in the Highland council area of Scotland. You will also see it called Waternish Point Lighthouse. It is a small, remote light with no road access, so reaching it means a half-day walk across open moorland and clifftops, with sea views and a chance of spotting whales or dolphins. What is the history of Vaternish Lighthouse? The first tower dates from 1924 and was designed by the engineers David and Charles Stevenson, members of the family behind many of Scotland's lighthouses. The original lens was later given to the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, where it is on display. A replacement tower followed in 1980. It has a concrete base, an aluminium lantern room and a roof made of glass-reinforced plastic. Solar panels have powered the light since 2001, which cuts the need for routine visits. The Northern Lighthouse Board operates it, and it shows a white flash every 20 seconds. A note on dates: some listings give 1980 as the founding year, while others say 1924. The difference comes from the original tower versus the present one. Heritage records also suggest it is better described as a minor navigation light than a conventional lighthouse. How do you get to Vaternish Lighthouse? No public road leads to the light. The walk starts at the old church at Trumpan, where there is a car park, plus space opposite the burial ground. No public transport serves the start, so you will need a car. Walkers' accounts put the round trip at roughly 11 to 13.5 km, taking 4 to 5 hours. The outward track can be very boggy, and the last stretch to the point crosses grassy, heathery ground with no clear path. The return along the clifftops is usually firmer and drier. Take OS Explorer map 407, and a GPS is useful in poor visibility. What will you see at Waternish Point? The tower itself is modest, but the appeal is the setting: open sea, steep coastline and a real sense of isolation. The point is regarded as a good spot for watching whales and dolphins. Part of the route crosses working croft land, and the crofter asks that dogs are kept on a lead. When should you go? Pick a dry day with good visibility, ideally after several days without rain so the approach is less muddy. Wear waterproof boots and carry water and food, as there are no facilities along the way. Leave plenty of daylight for the walk back. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside Vaternish Lighthouse? No. It is an operational light run by the Northern Lighthouse Board, and visitors view it from outside. Can you drive to the lighthouse? No. You park at Trumpan and walk the rest. How long is the walk? Usually 4 to 5 hours return, depending on your pace and ground conditions. Where is the original lens? In the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, which received it after the tower was replaced.

St John's Point Lighthouse

St John's Point Lighthouse marks the southern tip of the Lecale peninsula near the village of Killough in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is the tallest lighthouse on the mainland of Ireland, and it still works as an active aid to navigation at the approach to Dundrum Bay. When was St John's Point Lighthouse built? The Ballast Board approved a lighthouse here in 1839, and George Halpin designed the original station: a white tower of just 45 feet with two keepers' dwellings. The light was first lit on 1 May 1844. It changed from white to red in 1860, and the lamp switched from oil to gas in 1875. Today's profile comes from a rebuild in 1892-93 by architect William Douglass. The tower was raised substantially and fitted with a new diamond-pane lantern. The works also added two new dwellings, a fog-signal house and a larger gas plant. Electricity arrived in 1957, and in 1981 the station was automated and the keepers withdrew. How tall is it? Sources differ slightly. The Commissioners of Irish Lights gives a tower height of about 40 m, with the light about 37 m above high water. Older accounts quote 120 feet, but that figure refers to the height of the light rather than the tower itself. Is it a listed building? Yes. Northern Ireland's heritage listing places it in Grade B1, first listed in 1995. The Commissioners of Irish Lights still manages it. What can you see there? From the lane you get a slim tower rising over a low, grassy headland and a rocky shore. On a clear day the view takes in Dundrum Bay and the open Irish Sea, which makes the spot popular for photography around sunrise and sunset. Some of the former keepers' houses are offered as holiday lets, so you can even stay beside the tower. How do you get there? The lighthouse lies roughly 3 km from Killough and about 8 km south of Downpatrick. Driving along the local roads of the Lecale peninsula is the easiest option. The postcode is BT30 7QY. Visitors normally view the tower from outside rather than going in. When is the best time to visit? Late spring and summer bring long days and steadier weather. Outside those months the point is exposed to strong wind, so pack a windproof layer. Frequently asked questions Can you climb the tower? No. It is a working navigation station without regular interior tours, so you see it from outside. Is the light still in use? Yes. It was automated in 1981 and continues to serve shipping under the Commissioners of Irish Lights. How tall is the lighthouse? The tower is about 40 m high, with the light roughly 37 m above sea level, making it the tallest mainland lighthouse in Ireland. Where can you eat and sleep nearby? Killough and Downpatrick have food and lodging, and former keepers' houses at the lighthouse are sometimes let for holidays.

Copinsay Lighthouse

Copinsay Lighthouse stands on the uninhabited island of Copinsay, a short sea crossing off the east coast of Mainland Orkney, Scotland. The island is an RSPB nature reserve, and the lighthouse itself is a Category B listed building on the Historic Environment Scotland register. What is the lighthouse? The light was first shown in November 1915. The structure is a two-stage circular brick tower, with a separate fog-signal building beside it and a flat-roofed keepers' house to the west. The listing record notes that the building contractor went bankrupt part way through, yet the Commissioners kept him on as a foreman. The Northern Lighthouse Board owns and runs the light. It was automated in 1991 and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh, so nobody is stationed here. How do you get to Copinsay? There is no scheduled ferry. Visitors cross by small boat, usually from the Skaill area in Deerness on east Mainland, and the trip takes roughly 40 minutes. Landing depends on tides and weather, so confirm with the boatman shortly before you travel. The island has no shop or cafe, so bring water, food and windproof clothing. What will you see? Copinsay and the three nearby islets (Corn Holm, Ward Holm and Black Holm) form a Special Protection Area for birds. On the cliffs you can find: common guillemots, numbering in the tens of thousands in summer, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and shags, puffins, black guillemots and terns on the neighbouring islets. In autumn grey seals haul out to pup. You can walk close to the lighthouse across the island's fields, though the building is not open inside. Abandoned farm buildings are a reminder that the last residents left in 1958. When should you go? Spring and summer give the fullest seabird colonies. Autumn is the time for seals. Boat trips run seasonally and only when conditions allow. How did it become a reserve? The RSPB bought the island in 1972 in memory of the ornithologist James Fisher. Since then the reserve has protected its seabird colonies and supported research on them. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside Copinsay Lighthouse? No. The light is automatic and belongs to the Northern Lighthouse Board. You view it from outside while walking round the island. Does anyone live on Copinsay? No. The island has been empty since 1958 and is looked after by the RSPB. How long is the boat trip? About 40 minutes from the Skaill area in Deerness. Trips can be cancelled in poor weather or unsuitable tides. Are there facilities for visitors? There is no shop, cafe or regular transport. Plan your own supplies and clothing for changeable weather.

Barrel of Butter lighthouse

Barrel of Butter is a small automated lighthouse on a rocky skerry in Scapa Flow, the large sheltered bay in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It stands at roughly 58.89° N, 3.13° W, between the Mainland and the island of Cava, north of Flotta and south of the parish of Orphir. Visitors cannot go out to it, but it makes a distinctive landmark on the water and a small piece of Orkney maritime history. What is Barrel of Butter? The light sits on a low rock that barely breaks the surface. The structure is a round masonry tower topped with a grey metal platform that carries the lamp. It was first lit in 1980, runs automatically on solar power and has no resident keepers. The Northern Lighthouse Board, the authority responsible for lighthouses and navigation marks around Scotland and the Isle of Man, looks after it. The lamp shows a white light in a pattern of two flashes every ten seconds, visible for up to seven nautical miles. For boats, it marks hazardous rocks in the middle of Scapa Flow, one of the great natural anchorages of the British Isles. Why is it called Barrel of Butter? The rock was once known as Carlin Skerry. The current name is said to come from a yearly rent: people from Orphir handed over a barrel of butter each year to the local laird and in return could hunt seals on the skerry. The story reflects how Orkney communities once lived off the sea and the land in equal measure. Can you visit it? No. There is no public access, no landing arrangement and no road to the light. The best chance to see it is from the water on a boat trip across Scapa Flow, or from the Mainland shore with binoculars. Do not expect a car park, a path or a visitor point. When is the best time to see it? Summer days in Orkney are very long, so daylight views are easy from May to August. The flashing light itself shows only after dark, which means autumn and winter evenings are the better time to watch it from the shore. Orphir lies a short drive from Kirkwall, the main town of Orkney, and local operators run boat trips on the bay. Frequently asked questions Is Barrel of Butter on Hoy? No. It lies in Scapa Flow between the Mainland and Cava, north of Flotta. Can I go inside the lighthouse? No. It is automated and closed to visitors. When was it built? The light was established in 1980 and is managed by the Northern Lighthouse Board. What light does it show? A white light with two flashes every ten seconds, with a range of seven nautical miles.

Cantick Head Lighthouse

Cantick Head Lighthouse stands at the south-eastern tip of South Walls, the part of Hoy in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It sits at the end of the long Cantick Head peninsula, facing the Pentland Firth and the Sound of Hoxa, the southern gateway into the natural harbour of Scapa Flow. What is Cantick Head Lighthouse? A whitewashed brick tower about 22 metres tall, designed by the Stevenson family, the celebrated Scottish lighthouse engineers. The Northern Lighthouse Commissioners first raised the need for a light here in 1854, but long correspondence delayed matters and building began in February 1856. The lamp was first lit on 15 July 1858. A fog signal was added in 1913 and stayed in service until 1987. The station is a Category B listed building on the Historic Environment Scotland register. The listing covers more than the tower: the keepers' cottages, outbuildings, perimeter wall and a sundial are included too. The later principal keeper's house is not part of the listing. What will you see? Mainly the lighthouse itself, set among open cliffs and sea. Looking out, you can watch traffic on the Pentland Firth, one of the more demanding stretches of water around Britain, with the approach to Scapa Flow to the north. The compound keeps its original layout: the tower, rows of keepers' cottages and a low wall around the grounds. The light became automatic in the early 1990s and is now monitored remotely by the Northern Lighthouse Board from Edinburgh. The former keepers' houses were sold and converted into holiday lets, so an overnight stay is possible. How do you get there? A causeway links South Walls to the main body of Hoy, and the lighthouse lies close to the village of Longhope. Ferries serve Hoy from Orkney Mainland. The last stretch to the end of the peninsula is by minor road and then on foot. A car is the easiest option, as public transport on the island is sparse. When should you visit? Summer brings long days and the mildest weather, which suits a walk across open ground. Outside the season the wind off the Pentland Firth can be fierce, so pack windproof clothing whatever the month. Frequently asked questions Is the lighthouse still working? Yes. It shines today and is controlled remotely by the Northern Lighthouse Board. Can you climb the tower? It is an operational navigation station, so the interior is not a visitor attraction. You can view the surroundings from the areas open to guests. When was it built? The light was first shown in July 1858 to a Stevenson design. Can you stay overnight? Yes, the former keepers' cottages operate as holiday accommodation.

Fraserburgh Breakwater Light

Fraserburgh

Fraserburgh Breakwater Light stands at the tip of the Balaclava Breakwater, guarding the fishing harbour of Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, on Scotland's north-east corner. Completed in 1882, the slender tower still works as a navigation light and is one of the defining sights of the town's waterfront. What is this lighthouse and where does it come from? The light marks the end of a breakwater that was lengthened between 1875 and 1882. James Abernethy designed the extension, with J. H. Bostock as the engineer in charge, and the whole scheme cost roughly £60,000, a very large sum for a Victorian fishing port. Once the structure pushed further out to sea, a lighthouse went up on the new end to guide boats safely toward the harbour entrance. The name recalls the Battle of Balaclava, fought on 25 October 1854 during the Crimean War. Naming harbour works after Crimean engagements was fashionable in Britain at the time. The older Balaclava Pier, on which the later extension builds, is dated by the Canmore record to 1850-57. What does the tower look like? It is a tall, tapering structure about 21 metres (around 70 feet) high, topped by a railed gallery and lantern. Canmore, Scotland's heritage database, describes it as concrete, which was a forward-looking choice for harbour engineering of the period. This is not a visitor attraction in the usual sense: you cannot go inside, and the appeal lies in its profile at the end of a long grey breakwater. The light is still in service. It is run by the Fraserburgh Harbour Commission, the local port authority, rather than the Northern Lighthouse Board that looks after many larger Scottish lights. It shows a green flashing light for vessels entering the port. What else is nearby? Fraserburgh ranks among Scotland's major fishing ports, so the harbour itself is part of the experience: trawlers, ice plants, fish market halls and plenty of gulls. The breakwater and its light are easy to pick out from around the harbour, especially in the morning when boats return. Do not confuse this tower with Kinnaird Head Lighthouse. That is a separate and much older light on the headland in the middle of town, and it houses the Scottish Lighthouse Museum. If lighthouses interest you, plan to see both: admire the harbour light from outside, then go indoors at the museum to learn how historic lenses and lamps worked. The beaches on either side of the town and the seafront promenade make a good addition to a short walk. How do you get there? Fraserburgh sits about 65 km north of Aberdeen. Driving is simplest, via the A90 and then the A952 or A98. Regional buses also link Aberdeen and Fraserburgh, with a journey of around an hour and a half. The nearest airport is Aberdeen. The harbour is a working industrial site, so follow signs and any instructions from port staff. When should you visit? Late spring and summer offer the longest days and mildest weather. The North Sea coast of Scotland can be breezy in any season, though, so bring a jacket even in July. Photographers favour early mornings and sunsets, and the days just after a storm, when waves break against the breakwater. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the lighthouse at the end of the breakwater? No. It is an active navigation aid run by the harbour authority and is not open to the public. You view it from the harbour area. How is it different from Kinnaird Head? Kinnaird Head is an older lighthouse on the town's headland, now part of the Scottish Lighthouse Museum and open to visitors. The Balaclava breakwater light is a separate, later structure from 1882 standing in the harbour. Who built the Balaclava Breakwater? The 1875-82 extension was designed by James Abernethy, with J. H. Bostock as engineer. Is the lighthouse still operating? Yes. It remains a working light guiding vessels into Fraserburgh harbour.

Noss Head Lighthouse

Staxigoe

Noss Head Lighthouse sits at the tip of the Noss Head peninsula in Caithness, Highland, close to the fishing hamlet of Staxigoe. The white tower overlooks Sinclair's Bay, around three miles north-east of Wick, and still guides ships along this stretch of Scotland's north-east coast. It is one of the most photogenic spots in the area. What is the history of the lighthouse? The light was first lit in 1849. Alan Stevenson, of the celebrated Scottish lighthouse-building family, designed it, and Robert Arnot of Inverness carried out the construction. Noss Head earned a place in engineering history for its lantern, the first to be glazed with diagonal panes, an arrangement that later spread to other lighthouses. The keepers' houses and offices are category A listed. Since 1987 the light has been unmanned, monitored remotely from Edinburgh by the Northern Lighthouse Board. The original lamp is on display at the Wick Heritage Museum. Can you go inside? The tower itself is not open for visits, so you admire it from outside. The clifftop path and the headland give the best views, with Sinclair's Bay and the North Sea stretching out below. How do you get to Noss Head? Driving from Wick is simplest: head north past Staxigoe and finish on a narrow local road. A bus also runs from Wick to Staxigoe. On foot, you can start at Staxigoe harbour, roughly two miles from the centre of Wick. Which walk should you choose? The popular loop from Staxigoe covers about five miles and takes two to three hours. It follows the cliffs to the lighthouse, continues to the ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe on its rocky promontory, and returns along minor roads through farmland. The ground can be boggy and the path runs close to unfenced drops, so wear sturdy footwear and keep away from the edge. Keen walkers can extend the route to Ackergill and back into Wick. When is the best time to visit? Summer brings very long days and warm evening light for photography. Seabirds nest on the cliffs in spring and early summer. The headland is exposed to wind all year, so pack a windproof layer even on a clear day. Frequently asked questions Is Noss Head Lighthouse open to visitors? The tower's interior is closed to the public, but you can see it from outside and walk the surrounding headland. When was it built? It was first lit in 1849 to a design by Alan Stevenson. What makes the design special? It was the first lighthouse fitted with a diagonally paned lantern, a feature that later became common practice. How far is it from Wick? About three miles to the north-east, with Staxigoe the nearest village. Is it the same as Noss on Shetland? No. Noss Head is on the Scottish mainland in Caithness, while the Isle of Noss is a separate place in Shetland.

Cava Lighthouse

Houton

Cava Lighthouse is a small navigation light on the uninhabited island of Cava in Scapa Flow, Orkney. The nearest settlement is Houton on Mainland, a port with ferries to Hoy and Flotta. The light sits in the southern part of the archipelago and has guided vessels through the islands and skerries since the late 1890s. What is the Cava light? The light dates from 1898 and is operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board, Scotland's lighthouse authority. It is a cast-iron tower about 9.5 metres high, with a gallery and lantern, and its light shines from 11 metres above sea level. It is a modest structure, closer to a beacon than to the tall stone towers of the cliff-top stations. The light is automatic and solar-powered. In 2022 the NLB put out a tender for refurbishment, covering the existing structures, the electrical supply, the control systems and the optic. In the past it was serviced by the Board's vessel Pole Star. Where is Cava? Cava covers roughly 107 hectares and rises to 38 metres. It lies just off the larger island of Hoy, close to the islets of Rysa Little and Fara and the skerry known as Barrel of Butter. The name comes from Old Norse Kálfey, a term for a small island beside a bigger one. The island lost its permanent population during the twentieth century, and no habitable building remains. Nearby Gutter Sound, between Fara and Rysa Little, is where the German High Seas Fleet was scuttled in 1919. The wrecks are now a draw for divers in Scapa Flow. How can you see it? There is no visitor infrastructure on Cava, so this is a lighthouse to view from the water rather than to tour. The area around Houton on Mainland is a practical base for exploring Scapa Flow. Lighthouse enthusiasts can pair the trip with Cantick Head Lighthouse at the southern tip of Hoy, built in 1858. When to go Orkney is easiest to visit from late spring to early autumn, when days are long and boat trips on the Flow run more reliably. Winter weather often limits sailings. Frequently asked questions Can I land on Cava? The island is uninhabited and has no buildings fit for living and no visitor facilities. The lighthouse is best seen from the sea. Who runs the lighthouse? The Northern Lighthouse Board, which is responsible for lighthouses around Scotland and the Isle of Man. When was it built? The light was established in 1898. The present tower is cast iron, around 9.5 metres tall. How do I get to Houton? Houton is on the west side of Orkney Mainland and is a ferry port for Hoy and Flotta. It is reached by road from Kirkwall or Stromness.

Tayport West Lighthouse

Tayport

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.

Fish Quay Old High Light

North Tyneside

Fish Quay Old High Light is an eighteenth-century leading light standing on the bank above the Fish Quay in North Shields, Tyne and Wear (North Tyneside), close to where the River Tyne meets the North Sea. Built in 1727, it is one of four surviving leading lights in North Shields and is now a private home. What was the Old High Light for? Trinity House of Newcastle built the tower in 1727. It worked as one half of a pair with a lower light beside the water. A pilot entering the Tyne lined up the two flames and steered between the dangerous shoals at the river mouth. Wooden towers from the 1500s had occupied the site before, and the rebuild followed a quarrel with the governor of nearby Clifford's Fort, whose new house had hidden the light. It burned tallow candles at first, and oil lamps arrived in 1773. When the river channel shifted, the 1727 pair no longer marked a safe course, and it was switched off in 1810. A newer pair, begun in 1807 and designed by John Stokoe, took over and stayed in service until 1999. What can you see today? The Old High Light is Grade II listed, but its interior is not open because people live in it. You view it from the street: a plain masonry tower with practical, understated architecture. The best way to enjoy it is to walk the full set of four lights. The New High Light is close by, while both Low Lights sit lower down at the quayside. Trinity House put up Trinity Buildings next to the Old High Light in 1887. Walk down to the Fish Quay as well. It is still a working fishing harbour, with pubs and restaurants serving fresh fish and views of vessels passing through the Tyne mouth. The Old Low Light, part of the Clifford's Fort site, has been a museum and community space since 2014. How do you get there? North Shields lies roughly 12 km east of Newcastle upon Tyne city centre. The easiest route is the Tyne and Wear Metro to Meadow Well, or to Tynemouth followed by a bus or a walk. From the centre of North Shields it takes about fifteen minutes on foot to reach the Fish Quay. Parking is available near the waterfront, though spaces are limited at weekends. When should you visit? Because you see the tower from outside, opening hours do not matter and any season works. Morning and early evening give the best photo light, and dry, mild weather makes the quayside walk and an outdoor meal more pleasant. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the Old High Light? No. It is a private house, so you can only see it from outside. How many lights are there in North Shields? Four, arranged as two High and Low pairs. The older pair dates from 1727 and the newer one from the early 1800s. All are listed buildings. Why was the light switched off in 1810? The river channel moved, so the older pair no longer showed a safe line into the harbour and a new pair replaced it. How long does a visit take? About an hour covers all four lights and a stroll along the Fish Quay.

Lighthouse, Pierhead, North Queensferry

North Queensferry

The Pierhead Lighthouse in North Queensferry is a small hexagonal light tower at the landward end of the Town Pier, on the Firth of Forth in Fife, Scotland. Roughly five metres tall, it belongs to the old ferry-port group and holds Category A listing, Scotland's highest level of protection. What is it and why was it built? The lighthouse sits at the narrowest crossing of the Firth of Forth, where ferries ran between North and South Queensferry for centuries. An Act of Parliament in 1810 created the Forth Ferry Trustees, and engineer John Rennie was hired to upgrade the landings and piers on both shores. Historic Environment Scotland (listing LB9998) credits Rennie and dates the tower to about 1810-1812. Canmore records construction around 1810, while some local accounts give 1817 and name Robert Stevenson. The tower is built of droved ashlar masonry with a copper-roofed lantern, and it keeps its original lantern and vent pipe. Its light guided ferries to the North Queensferry slipway until 1964, when the Forth Road Bridge opened and the regular crossings ended. The lighthouse was later restored to working order and reopened by the Princess Royal in 2010. What can you see here? The lighthouse itself: a compact six-sided tower beside the pier entrance, with stone walls and a copper-topped lantern. The Town Pier: a separately listed structure (LB9978) with the slipway where ferries once loaded. The Signal House: a Category B listed building that forms part of the same harbour group. The Forth bridges: from the pier you can see all three crossings: the rail bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing. How do you get there? North Queensferry lies about 15 km north-west of central Edinburgh. The easiest option is the train: the village station is served from Edinburgh over the Forth Bridge. By car, leave the M90 at the North Queensferry junction. From the station, the pier is a few minutes' walk downhill through narrow streets to the water. Walking the pier and viewing the lighthouse from outside costs nothing. When is the best time to visit? The lighthouse can be seen all year. Pick a clear day, when the bridges and the water make the best backdrop for photos. Evening light warms the stonework, and weekends bring more visitors. The pier can be windy, so bring a jacket. Frequently asked questions Is the lighthouse still lit? It was restored to working condition and reopened in 2010, but its original job of guiding ferries ended in 1964. Can you go inside? It is a small tower about five metres high, meant to be admired from outside. How long should you plan? The lighthouse takes 10 to 15 minutes. With a stroll along the pier and the bridge views, allow about an hour. Is this the same as a lighthouse on the Forth Bridge? No. It is a separate historic harbour light by the Town Pier in North Queensferry and has no connection to the bridge structure.

Fife Ness Lighthouse

Crail

Fife Ness Lighthouse stands on the far eastern tip of Fife, about 3 miles (5 km) northeast of Crail on Scotland's East Neuk coast. It is not a classic tower with a keeper's cottage: this is a small, functional building from the late twentieth century, and that is exactly what makes it interesting. It was the first major light built in Scotland that never had a resident keeper. What is Fife Ness Lighthouse? The light entered service in 1975 and is run by the Northern Lighthouse Board, the authority responsible for navigation marks around Scotland. It was designed by the Board's engineer, Peter H. Hyslop. The structure is a single-storey brick building about 5 m high with a flat roof. The lantern sits in a glazed extension attached to the engine room. From the start the station was automated and monitored remotely from the Board's headquarters in Edinburgh. Historic Environment Scotland protected it as a Category B listed building in December 2020, and the light is still operational. Why was a lighthouse built here? The reason lies offshore. The North Carr rocks, which lie off this stretch of coast, were a long-standing danger to shipping, and building a permanent tower on them was judged impractical. Mariners first relied on a buoy, placed in 1809. Robert Stevenson then persuaded the Northern Lighthouse Board to build a cast-iron beacon on the rocks, completed in 1821. In later decades a succession of lightvessels guarded the reef. The 1975 light on the mainland headland replaced the last of them and let the Board stop stationing a vessel at sea. What will you see? Expect a low, modern station on a wild headland rather than a postcard tower. The surroundings are the draw: open sea, rocky shore, and long views over the Firth of Forth and the North Sea. Fife Ness is the easternmost point of Fife, so sunrise over the water is a good reason to come early. Birdwatchers and walkers use the area, and the headland is part of the Fife Coastal Path. How do you get there? From Crail, follow the coast road northeast towards Fife Ness. The lighthouse is reached through the grounds of Crail Golf Club's course, so keep to the public routes and respect play. Parking is limited, and the most pleasant way in is on foot along the shore from Crail or Cellardyke. Bring windproof clothing; the headland is exposed in any season. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It is an operational, automated station owned by the Northern Lighthouse Board, so visitors view it from outside only. Who designed Fife Ness Lighthouse? Peter H. Hyslop, engineer of the Northern Lighthouse Board, designed it. It began operating in 1975. Is Fife Ness Lighthouse listed? Yes. It has been a Category B listed building since 4 December 2020. What is the nearest town? Crail, roughly 3 miles (5 km) to the southwest, is the nearest village and the usual starting point for a visit.

Rattray Head Lighthouse

Rattray Head Lighthouse stands on the north-east coast of Scotland, in the Buchan area of Aberdeenshire, about seven miles north of Peterhead. A white tower rising from a small rock at the end of a long, wild beach, it is one of the most photogenic sights on this stretch of coast. What is Rattray Head Lighthouse? The light went into service in 1895 to a design by David Alan Stevenson, of the Scottish family of lighthouse engineers. It is run by the Northern Lighthouse Board. The reason for building it was practical: the Rattray Briggs, a reef off the headland, had caught out passing ships. Construction began in 1892, after the authorities had first floated the idea of a simple bell buoy instead. The tower sits on a skerry called The Ron, on a massive round granite base that once held the engine room and fog signal. Above it rises a circular shaft of white enamelled fireclay brick, topped with a lantern and dome. The structure is a Category B listed building, designated on 16 April 1971 by Historic Environment Scotland. It was automated in 1982 and is now monitored remotely from the Board's headquarters in Edinburgh. What can you see nearby? Rattray Head separates two bays: Strathbeg Bay to the north and Rattray Bay to the south. The dunes here reach up to 23 m and run for 27 km between St Combs and Peterhead. A walk along the sand gives constant views of the lighthouse, and at low tide the rocks around its base are exposed. Photographers do best early in the morning or in the hours before sunset, when the white tower stands out against dark sea and pale sand. The wind is strong even in summer, so bring a windproof layer. How do you get there? From Peterhead it takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car towards St Combs and Crimond, then along local roads to the coast. The lighthouse lies at about 57.610 N, 1.816 W. Driving is the easiest option, as public transport in this part of Aberdeenshire is sparse. When should you visit? The lighthouse can be admired in any season. May to August brings the longest days and the most light, while autumn and winter are more dramatic, with waves breaking over the rocks. Frequently asked questions Is Rattray Head Lighthouse still working? Yes. It is an active aid to navigation, automated since 1982 and monitored from Edinburgh. Who designed it and when was it built? It was completed in 1895 to a design by David Alan Stevenson. Is it a listed building? Yes, it has been Category B listed by Historic Environment Scotland since 1971. Why was it built here? The Rattray Briggs reef offshore had caused shipwrecks, so a permanent warning light was needed.