Name and Location

The Skroo North Lighthouse is located on Fair Isle, which lies approximately halfway between the Scottish mainland and the Faroe Islands. The official name of the lighthouse is "Skroo North Lighthouse," locally known as simply "Skroo."

2. Construction and History

The Skroo North Lighthouse was built in 1893 during the Late Victorian era. This construction marked a significant milestone in the history of maritime navigation in the Shetland Islands.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse was constructed in a traditional Scottish style, with a white-painted tower standing 80 feet tall. The tower is built from local granite and features a distinctive lantern room at its summit.

4. Light and Navigation

The Skroo North Lighthouse's original light range was approximately 22 nautical miles (25 kilometers). The characteristic of the light is Fl (3) W 15s, indicating a flashing white light with a period of 30 seconds.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Although the lighthouse is no longer staffed, visitors can access the museum and visitor center during opening hours. Guided tours are available, offering insight into the region's maritime history and the importance of the Skroo North Lighthouse as a navigational aid. Visitors can view exhibits featuring historic photographs and artifacts related to the lighthouse's construction and operation.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and islands, including the iconic Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. The Skroo North Lighthouse is situated in a remote and rugged coastal environment, with windswept cliffs and rocky outcroppings characteristic of the Shetland Islands' unique landscape.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Locals have long associated the Skroo North Lighthouse with tales of shipwrecks and daring rescues, reflecting its importance in maritime history.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse's height is 80 feet (24 meters) above sea level, with a focal plane height of 110 feet (33.5 meters). The original radar installation remains an important part of its history and significance.

9. Further Information

For further reading, please refer to the Skroo North Lighthouse on Wikipedia. The Skroo North Lighthouse Museum and Visitor Center is managed by the Shetland Islands Council.