Bass Rock Lighthouse

The Bass Rock Lighthouse is situated approximately 2 km offshore from North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland. The island can be accessed by boat or helicopter.

History

• Construction of the lighthouse began in 1902 on the Bass Rock, a steep-sided volcanic plug located in the outer part of the Firth of Forth.
• The tower was designed to provide navigation aid for ships passing through the area.
• The remains of a chapel survive on the island, indicating that it has been settled by humans for centuries.

Architecture

The Bass Rock Lighthouse is a prominent structure on the island, standing at 46 meters (151 feet) tall. Its focal height is 107 meters (351 feet), making it an effective aid to navigation.

The lighthouse features a distinctive design with three white flashes every 20 seconds, visible from a range of 10 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

• Pattern: Three white flashes every 20 seconds
• Range: 10 nautical miles

The Bass Rock Lighthouse emits a Fl (first order) light, which is visible in all directions from the tower.

Current Status

The Bass Rock Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its construction.

Heritage Status

The Bass Rock and the lighthouse are listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument in Scotland. The island is also home to a large colony of gannets and is considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Notable Historical Events

The Bass Rock Lighthouse has featured prominently in various works of fiction, including novels by Robert Louis Stevenson and William Boyd.

The island's unique location and historical significance have made it a popular setting for literary works.

Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple and the Lauder Family

The Bass Rock was acquired by Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple's family in 1706, who previously owned it for almost six centuries.