Cantick Head Lighthouse
QVP9+RF Stromness, UK
Name and Location
Cantick Head Lighthouse is located on the northern coast of Mainland, Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK.
2. Construction and History
The lighthouse was built in 1864 by the Orkney Islands Council as a testament to the region's rich maritime history and commitment to safe navigation. The establishment of this lighthouse was sparked by the shipwreck of the SS Mahratta in 1894, which led to the construction of multiple aids to navigation along the Orkney coast.
3. Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse stands at an impressive height of approximately 35 meters (114 feet) and is constructed using traditional Scottish architecture techniques, with a tower made of stone and a lantern room built from granite.
4. Light and Navigation
The lighthouse emits three flashes every 15 seconds, marked as Fl(3)W.15s, allowing vessels to recognize the light and navigate through the treacherous waters surrounding Orkney.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds and enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery during daylight hours. However, please note that the interior of the lighthouse is not open to visitors due to its automation and historical significance.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
From Cantick Head Lighthouse, visitors can take in breathtaking views of the North Sea, with the chance to spot seals, seabirds, and even occasional whales. The surrounding coastal landscape offers a glimpse into Orkney's rich geological history.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
Local folklore tells stories of brave lighthouse keepers who have served at Cantick Head over the years. These individuals played a vital role in ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the treacherous waters surrounding Orkney.
8. Technical and Operational Details
The original Fresnel lens was replaced with a modern optic in 1970, making the lighthouse an automated aid to navigation. The managing authority responsible for the maintenance and operation of Cantick Head Lighthouse is the Orkney Islands Council.
9. Further Information
For more information on Cantick Head Lighthouse, please visit Wikipedia at unknown.
Details
| Name | Cantick Head Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | |
| Country | Scotland, Uk |
| Coordinates | 58.7871026, -3.1313314 |
| Year of construction | 1864 |
| Events | shipwreck of the SS Mahratta, which occurred nearby in 1894 |
| Stories | Local folklore tells stories of brave lighthouse keepers who have served at Cantick Head over the years |
| Architect | Orkney Islands Council |
| Construction material | stone, granite |
| Tower height | 35 |
| Access description | grounds and coastal scenery can be accessed during daylight hours |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | rocky coast, sandy beaches, rolling hills |
| View description | breathtaking views of the North Sea, with the chance to spot seals, seabirds, and even occasional whales |
| Facilities | grounds and coastal scenery can be accessed during daylight hours |
| Nearby attractions | Stromness, Kirkwall |
| Light characteristic | Fl(3)W.15s |
| Automated | true |