Name and Location

The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse is located at J4MV+X4 Stranraer, UK (54.6349592° N, -4.8571394° W).

2. Construction and History

The lighthouse was constructed in 1845 to serve as a guiding beacon for mariners navigating the treacherous waters of the Irish Sea. It has played a significant role in local maritime history, with legend stating that it was built to guide sailors away from the Mull of Galloway reef.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at an impressive height of 99 feet (30 meters), with a focal plane height of approximately 182 feet (55 meters) above sea level. The tower is constructed from rubblestone and has a distinctive lantern room topped by a pyramidal roof. The building's design is characteristic of the early 19th-century lighthouses, with a sturdy foundation and a tapering shape to reduce wind resistance.

4. Light and Navigation

The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse features a powerful white light that rotates every 20 seconds, displaying a range of approximately 28 kilometers (17.4 miles). The light characteristic is an Fl (3) W.15s sequence, which indicates the presence of a guiding beacon at the southern tip of Scotland.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can reach the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse via a scenic drive from Stranraer or by taking a guided tour with the National Trust for Scotland. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and the Irish Sea. Visitors can explore the surrounding area by visiting the nearby RSPB Mull of Galloway Nature Reserve or taking a scenic drive along the southern coastline of Scotland.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is surrounded by stunning views of the Irish Sea, with the Scottish coastline stretching out to the north and the Isle of Man visible on clear days.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

According to legend, the lighthouse was built to guide sailors away from the treacherous Mull of Galloway reef, which claimed many ships over the centuries. The legacy of former lighthouse keepers remains an important part of local heritage.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was initially operated by a manual keeper system, but it was automated in 1998 to reduce costs and improve efficiency. It has been equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology to enhance navigation safety and features a radar installation for monitoring maritime traffic.

9. Further Information

For more information, please refer to the Wikipedia page dedicated to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mull_of_Galloway_Lighthouse). The National Trust for Scotland is responsible for managing and maintaining the lighthouse.