Fife Ness Lighthouse

The Fife Ness lighthouse was built in 1975 on a project by P. H. Hyslop to replace a series of lightvessels that guarded the treacherous rocks off the headland.

History

• The new structure was designed to provide a more reliable warning system for shipping, as it had proved impossible to build a permanent lighthouse on the rocky outcrops themselves.
• The Fife Ness lighthouse is an active aid to navigation, operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Architecture

The Fife Ness lighthouse is a 12-meter (39-foot) tall tower, with a focal height of 21 meters (69 feet).

• The structure features three lights: one white light with an Iso character and a range of 21 nautical miles; one red light with an Iso character and a range of 20 nautical miles; and another white light with an Iso character and a range of 21 nautical miles.

Location

The Fife Ness lighthouse is located on the headland of Fife Ness, which forms the easternmost point in Fife, Scotland.

• The site is situated near Crail, a town in the East Neuk area of Fife.
• The lighthouse can be accessed via Balcomie Road, and is surrounded by the links terrain of Crail Golfing Society.

Visiting Information

The Fife Ness lighthouse is not currently open to the public as a museum or tourist attraction.

• However, it is possible to view the lighthouse from a distance, but access is restricted due to safety concerns.

Heritage Status

Fife Ness has been designated as a notable historical site in Scotland, with its unique location and architectural design making it an important part of the country's maritime heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• The Fife Ness lighthouse was built during a period of significant change in the UK's maritime industry.
• The construction of the lighthouse marked the end of an era for lightvessels, which had previously guarded the treacherous rocks off the headland.

Architecture Details

The structure features three lights: one white light with an Iso character and a range of 21 nautical miles; one red light with an Iso character and a range of 20 nautical miles; and another white light with an Iso character and a range of 21 nautical miles.

Construction Materials

The lighthouse is constructed from traditional materials, including stone and metal.