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Tayport Pile Light

F43H+53 Tayport, UK

Name and Location

The Tayport Pile Light is located at F43H+53, Tayport, Scotland, United Kingdom, standing tall along the eastern coast of Scotland.

2. Construction and History

Built in 1864 during the Victorian era, the Tayport Pile Light was constructed to serve as a major aid to navigation for mariners traversing the North Sea. The original structure was designed by renowned architect David Stevenson, who drew inspiration from his experience building lighthouses along the Scottish coast.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Tayport Pile Light's architectural style is characterized by its classic Victorian design, featuring a 15-meter-tall (49 feet) cylindrical tower with a robust stone base. The structure is built using local granite and sandstone, ensuring durability against harsh coastal weather conditions.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse was originally equipped with a light characteristic of Fl(3)W.15s, meaning it displayed three fixed white flashes every 15 seconds. Although the exact details on current lighting systems are unavailable, it is likely that modernization has introduced updated lighting arrangements.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Although the lighthouse is no longer in active service for navigation purposes, it remains an important cultural landmark. Visitors can access the site through guided tours, which offer insights into the structure's history and operation. The Tayport Pile Light is managed by a local preservation society that aims to conserve its heritage.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse stands proudly overlooking the North Sea, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. On a clear day, visitors can spot ships navigating through the waters. The nearby Fife Coast offers stunning vistas, beaches, and scenic hiking trails.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

In 1873, a severe storm struck the Scottish coast, causing widespread damage to local infrastructure. The Tayport Pile Light played a crucial role in guiding vessels through treacherous waters during this period.

8. Technical and Operational Details

Standing at an impressive height of 15 meters (49 feet), the focal height of the lighthouse reaches approximately 12.5 meters (41 feet) above sea level.

9. Further Information

  • For further reading, visit the Wikipedia page on Tayport Pile Light or explore Scotland's National Heritage and Fife Coast for more information.

Details

NameTayport Pile Light
CityTayport
CountryScotland
Coordinates56.4529461, -2.8723519
Year of construction1864
Eventssevere storm in 1873
Storiesa severe storm struck the Scottish coast in 1873
Architectural styleVictorian
ArchitectDavid Stevenson
Construction materialgranite and sandstone
Focal height12.5
Tower height15
Access descriptionguided tours
Accessibletrue
Landscape typecoastline
View descriptionbreathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding landscape
Guided tourstrue
Nearby attractionsFife Coast, beaches, scenic hiking trails
Light characteristicFl(3)W.15s