McArthur's Head Lighthouse
QX72+GV Isle of Islay, UK
Name and Location
McArthur's Head Lighthouse is located at QX72+GV Isle of Islay, UK.
Construction and History
The lighthouse was built in 1896 to replace an earlier, smaller structure. It stands 39 meters (128 feet) tall with a focal height of 38.5 meters (126.7 feet). The lighthouse has served as a vital aid to navigation for mariners since its construction.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse exhibits a traditional Scottish style, with a white-painted tower and a distinctive red lantern room. The structure is constructed from local stone.
Light and Navigation
The light characteristic is Fl(2)W.15s, indicating a flashing white light with a period of 10 seconds. The range of the light extends out to sea for approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers), providing vital guidance for vessels navigating the treacherous waters around the Isle of Islay.
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the lighthouse via a scenic drive or by taking a short walk from the nearby coastal path. The lighthouse is open to visitors, although guided tours may be necessary to ensure visitor safety. On-site facilities include parking, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse is situated on a scenic coastal path that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. The nearby town of Bridgend provides amenities such as shops, restaurants, and accommodations for visitors.
Anecdotes and Folklore
The lighthouse has a rich history of stories about its keepers, who have faced harsh weather conditions, isolation, and occasional shipwrecks. Visitors can learn more about these tales through guided tours or local folklore.
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse has been equipped with advanced aids to navigation, including Automatic Identification System (AIS) and radar installations, ensuring safe passage for vessels navigating the area. The lighthouse was automated in 1994.
Further Information
- "McArthur's Head Lighthouse" - Wikipedia
- "Aids to Navigation: McArthur's Head Lighthouse" - UKHO
- "Isle of Islay: A Guide to its History and Heritage" - Scottish Tourism Board
Details
| Name | McArthur's Head Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | Bridgend |
| Country | Scotland |
| Coordinates | 55.7638536, -6.0477853 |
| Year of construction | 1896 |
| Events | shipwrecks; notable visits from naval vessels |
| Historic significance | important aid to navigation and symbol of Scotland's maritime history |
| Keeper stories | lives and experiences of lighthouse keepers |
| Stories | rich history of stories about keepers; challenges faced by keepers |
| Architectural style | traditional Scottish |
| Construction material | "local stone" |
| Focal height | 38.5 |
| Tower height | 39 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Renovations | automated in 1994 |
| Access description | scenic drive or short walk from coastal path |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | coastal path |
| View description | breathtaking views of surrounding coastline and Atlantic Ocean |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | on-site parking, picnic areas, restrooms |
| Nearby attractions | ["coastal path","town of Bridgend","Isle of Islay"] |
| AIS Radar | true |
| Light characteristic | "Fl(2)W.15s" |
| Light range | 11 |
| Automated | true |