Name and Location

Ardnamurchan Point Lighthouse (Gaelic: Taigh Solais Aird nam Murchan) is located at PQGF+RJ Grigadale, Acharacle, Highland, Scotland, PH36 4LN, UK. The coordinates are 56.727094 N, –6.225953 W.

2. Construction and History

Ardnamurchan Point Lighthouse was constructed between 1849-1850, with the light first lit on July 3, 1850. It was designed by Alan Stevenson of the Stevenson lighthouse dynasty. The tower and adjacent keeper's cottages form a visitor attraction and museum operated by the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Community Company.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a classic mid-Victorian masonry tower with integral keeper's accommodation. It is made of local stone (rubble infill with dressed ashlar) rendered and painted white, with a black-painted lantern roof. The tower height is 36 metres above ground, while the focal height is 59 metres above mean sea level.

4. Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is Group flashing, two white flashes every 20 seconds (Fl(2) W 20s). The range is 24 nautical miles, with sectors for a white light visible from bearing 002° to 217°. The Admiralty reference is A4082.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The site is managed by the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Community Company, which restored the keepers' quarters and engine room. Visitors can access the ground-floor engine room on a self-guided basis, with guided climbs to the lantern room at set times or by appointment. However, steep access roads and internal staircases restrict wheelchair access.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse commands panoramic views over the Small Isles (Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna) and, on clear days, the Cuillin Ridge of Skye. The shoreline below is home to nesting seabirds and seals, while the machair and peat bogs of Ardnamurchan support diverse wildflowers in summer.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Local lore speaks of a phantom "lantern man" glimpsed on stormy nights—a story perhaps born of flickering lamp glows seen through swirling mist. The lighthouse has stood sentinel at the main sea-route between the Atlantic and the Caledonian Canal since opening.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The light is fully automated since 1988, with a Northern Lighthouse Board transmitter present. It remains operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board, while the site is managed by the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Community Company.

9. Further Information

• For further information, visit the Northern Lighthouse Board website (https://www.nlb.org.uk/LighthouseLibrary/Lighthouse/Ardnamurchan/">https://www.nlb.org.uk/LighthouseLibrary/Lighthouse/Ardnamurchan/).
• The Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Trust website (https://www.ardnamurchanlighthouse.com/">https://www.ardnamurchanlighthouse.com/).;
• Historic Environment Scotland listing (LB70416) at https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB70416.