Name and Location

Cromarty Lighthouse, also known as "Cromarty Front Light," is a small harbour light located in the village of Cromarty on the Black Isle, Scotland's east coast.

2. Construction and History

The lighthouse was constructed in the mid-19th century, with an exact date not recorded. The architectural style is functional masonry tower, integrated into former coastguard cottages. Although some historical details are unknown, the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation under the care of the Northern Lighthouse Board.

3. Architecture and Materials

The tower height is 18 meters, with a focal plane height of 18 meters above mean high water. The structure is made of white-painted brick or stone, typical of Scottish minor lighthouses.

4. Light and Navigation

Cromarty Lighthouse carries two overlapping sector lights operated as one unit. Sector 1 (Occulting Red) has a range of 11 nautical miles, while Sector 2 (Occulting White) has a range of 15 nautical miles. The combined sequence of eight occultations followed by two longer eclipses every ten seconds serves as a distinctive signature.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The tower interior and lantern room are closed to the general public, but the exterior and range-light alignment can be observed from George Street or the shoreline immediately to the north. Visitors can access the area on foot from Cromarty village centre, with parking and public transport available in the town.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From immediately outside the lighthouse, one can enjoy a clear view of the rugged Munros of the Monadhliath Mountains on the far shore. The surrounding environment features the narrow slipway to the north, the Cromarty ferry pier, and the tidal sands of the inner Firth.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is automated and operational, with the Northern Lighthouse Board as its managing authority. It has been converted from manual to automated operation in the mid- to late-20th century.

9. Further Information

For further information on Cromarty Lighthouse, please refer to the Northern Lighthouse Board website, OpenStreetMap entry, Wikidata, and Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals, Volume 1.