Lighthouse Index Logo

lighthouse-index

Discover lighthouses around the world

Crinan Lighthouse

C39

Loading map...
Crinan Lighthouse (Crinan)
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

Crinan Lighthouse

The Crinan Lighthouse is a notable maritime aid located on the western coast of Scotland, United Kingdom.

History

  • The Crinan Lighthouse was constructed in 1822 and has been an important navigational aid for mariners ever since its completion. The lighthouse's construction marked the beginning of a new era in navigation, providing a reliable means of guiding vessels through the treacherous waters of the Firth of Clyde.

Architecture

The Crinan Lighthouse is a distinctive structure with a characteristic white and red striped appearance. Its tower height stands at approximately 8 meters (26 feet), while its focal height reaches an impressive 22 meters (72 feet) above sea level. The lighthouse's architecture is attributed to the renowned Scottish engineer, Robert Stevenson.

Light Characteristics

  • The Crinan Lighthouse emits a distinctive Fl (first order) light with a range of 4 nautical miles in both directions. The light's period is reported to be 3 seconds, and its character is marked by a green secondary light with a similar range and period.

Current Status

The Crinan Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since the mid-20th century. Today, the lighthouse serves as a museum, open to the public for guided tours and educational programs.

Location and Accessibility

Located on the western coast of Scotland, the Crinan Lighthouse is situated at C39, in the town of Crinan. The site is easily accessible by road or sea, with nearby parking facilities available.

Heritage Status

The Crinan Lighthouse has been designated as a Category A listed building by Historic Environment Scotland, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.

Notable Historical Events

While there are no specific notable events associated with the Crinan Lighthouse, it is worth noting that the lighthouse played an important role in the maritime history of Scotland during the 19th century.

Details

NameCrinan Lighthouse
CityCrinan
CountryUnited Kingdom
Coordinates56.091274, -5.5561337
ArchitectRobert Stevenson
Current useactive aid to navigation and museum
Accessibletrue
Guided tourstrue