Clyth Ness Lighthouse

The Clyth Ness lighthouse has a long and storied history dating back to its construction in 1821.

History

• The tower was built by the British government to serve as a navigational aid for mariners traversing the treacherous waters of the North Sea.
• The Clyth Ness lighthouse has a long and storied history dating back to its construction in 1821.

Architecture

The Clyth Ness lighthouse stands at an impressive height of 25 meters (82 feet) above sea level, with a total tower height of approximately 30 meters (98 feet).

The focal height, or the distance from the base of the tower to the top of the light, is around 40 meters (131 feet).

The lighthouse's distinctive architecture features a cylindrical tower with a square base and a lantern room at its summit.

The Clyth Ness lighthouse was designed by renowned British architect John Rennie, who also designed several other notable lighthouses along Scotland's coast.

The tower's construction materials include granite and brick, which have withstood the harsh marine environment for nearly two centuries.

Light Characteristics

The Clyth Ness lighthouse is equipped with a distinctive red-and-white striped lantern room, which serves as a beacon for mariners navigating the surrounding waters.

The light has a range of approximately 15 nautical miles (28 kilometers) and emits a characteristic pattern of three flashes every minute.

Current Status

The Clyth Ness lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it is no longer manned by a full-time keeper.

Instead, it operates under automated systems, with regular checks and maintenance performed by trained personnel.

Location and Accessibility

Located on the northeastern coast of Scotland, the Clyth Ness lighthouse can be accessed via the A99 road, which runs along the nearby coastline.

The site is situated near the village of Fraserburgh, approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) north of the town center.

Visitors to the lighthouse can view it from a distance or take a short walk to the nearby parking area.

However, due to safety concerns and sensitive environmental conditions, access to the tower itself is restricted.

Heritage Status

The Clyth Ness lighthouse has been recognized as an important part of Scotland's maritime heritage by Historic Environment Scotland.

The site has been designated as a Category A listed building, acknowledging its architectural and historical significance.

Notable Historical Events

One notable event in the history of the Clyth Ness lighthouse dates back to 1850, when it played a crucial role in rescuing the crew of the British merchant ship "SS Empire".

The vessel had become stranded on the nearby coast during a severe storm, and the lighthouse's light guided the rescue team to its location.