Esha Ness Lighthouse
F9QF+P3 Stenness, Shetland, UK
Name and Location
Esha Ness Lighthouse is a major sea-light located at the westernmost headland of the Shetland mainland. It marks the treacherous waters north of Shetland and guides vessels safely through the area.
Address:
Unnamed Road off the A970, Esha Ness headland, Stenness, Northmavine, Shetland Islands, ZE2 9RS, Scotland, UK
Coordinates: 60°29′21.5″ N, 1°37′38.1″ W (60.4893067, -1.6272629)
Map link: https://www.google.com/maps?q=60.4893067,-1.6272629
Construction and History
The Esha Ness Lighthouse was constructed in 1929 and first lit on December 22, 1930. It was designed by David A. Stevenson, a member of the renowned Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers. The light was automated in the mid-20th century.
Architecture and Materials
The tower is a tapered cylindrical concrete structure with a gallery and lantern, standing 12 meters tall. The exterior finish is white-painted, with a black lantern. Two single-storey keeper's cottages, now unoccupied, are located adjacent to the lighthouse.
Light and Navigation
The focal height of the light is 61 meters above sea level, emitting one white flash every 12 seconds (Fl W 12s). The nominal range of the light is 25 nautical miles. The Admiralty reference number is A 3838, and it appears on UKHO charts covering Shetland approaches.
Accessibility and Visiting
The headland is open to walkers, but access to the lighthouse tower and buildings is restricted. To reach Esha Ness Lighthouse, follow the rough footpath (1-2 km) across moorland from Hillswick village (approx. 10 km southeast). Mobile phone coverage is patchy.
Notable Views and Landscape
The surrounding landscape features steep sandstone and volcanic cliff faces with dramatic geos (inlets), exposed to Atlantic storms. The area is home to seabird colonies, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and fulmars. Seals and otters can occasionally be spotted in coastal pools.
Nearby Attractions
- Eshaness geo-scenic walks and sea-arch viewpoints
- Ruined broch at Gletness (Bronze Age iron working site, ~4 km southeast)
- Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary and small museum
Technical and Operational Details
The light is still active under automated operation and is maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
Further Information
For more information about Esha Ness Lighthouse, please visit:
Details
| Name | Esha Ness Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | |
| Country | Scotland, Uk |
| Coordinates | 60.4893067, -1.6272629 |
| Year of construction | 1930 |
| Architectural style | tapered cylindrical concrete tower with gallery and lantern |
| Architect | David A. Stevenson |
| Construction material | "concrete" |
| Focal height | 61 |
| Tower height | 12 |
| Renovations | Automation: mid-20th century |
| Access description | How to reach: from Hillswick village (approx. 10 km southeast), turn off the A970 onto an unmarked single-track road; park at the end and follow a rough footpath (1–2 km) across moorland |
| Accessible | false |
| Landscape type | steep sandstone and volcanic cliff faces with dramatic geos (inlets), exposed to Atlantic storms |
| Guided tours | false |
| Facilities | no visitor centre, no on-site toilets or refreshments; mobile phone coverage patchy |
| Nearby attractions | ["Eshaness geo-scenic walks and sea-arch viewpoints","Ruined broch at Gletness (Bronze Age iron working site, ~4 km southeast)","Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary and small museum"] |
| AIS Radar | true |
| Light characteristic | "one white flash every 12 seconds (Fl W 12s)" |
| Light range | 25 |
| Automated | true |