Name and Location

The Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse is located at the southern tip of the Isle of Islay, Scotland, with an official name of "Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse" (OS Grid Ref: NR 2644 5555). Locals affectionately refer to it as "Kintyre Light". The address is Unnamed Road, Isle of Islay PA42 7EF, UK.

2. Construction and History

The Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse was built in 1828 and is part of the early 19th-century lighthouse construction era. It stands at the southernmost point of the Kintyre Peninsula, approximately 55.6685554° N latitude and -6.0199216° W longitude.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's design reflects the characteristic architecture of its time, with a tapering tower and a rectangular base. It was constructed using local stone and mortar, showcasing the region's traditional building techniques. The lighthouse stands at an impressive 26 meters (85.3 feet) tall, with a focal height of approximately 21 meters (68.9 feet).

4. Light and Navigation

The light range is estimated to be around 8 nautical miles (14.8 kilometers). The light characteristic is described as "Fl(3)W.15s", indicating that the light flashes three times every 15 seconds.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, although the tower itself is not open to the public. Opening hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with entrance fees and guided tours available upon request.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The view from the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse is breathtaking, offering a panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, the Isle of Islay's rugged coastline, and the surrounding countryside. The lighthouse stands at the southern tip of the Kintyre Peninsula, surrounded by rolling hills, moors, and the ocean.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Locals share stories of the lighthouse's importance in maritime history and its role as a beacon for ships navigating the treacherous waters off Scotland's west coast. The Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse has witnessed numerous shipwrecks over the centuries, with the most notable being the sinking of the SS Saltholm in 1883.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was originally operated manually but has since been automated. It is now an unmanned aid to navigation. There is no AIS (Automatic Identification System) or radar installation at the lighthouse.

9. Further Information

For navigation purposes, mariners can reference chart numbers 27-30, which cover the area surrounding the lighthouse. The managing authority for the lighthouse is the Historic Environment Scotland.