Isle of May Lighthouse

The Isle of May Lighthouse is situated on the Isle of May, an island located off the coast of mainland Scotland.

History

• The lighthouse has a rich history dating back to 1811, when it was constructed by the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) to serve as a navigational aid for mariners.
• The lighthouse was designed by Robert Stevenson, who also designed the famous Bell Rock Lighthouse in Scotland.

The lighthouse has been recognized as a Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest by Historic Environment Scotland.

Architecture

• The Isle of May Lighthouse is a characteristic example of 19th-century lighthouse design.
• The tower is constructed from local stone and features a distinctive octagonal shape with four main rooms.

The building's architecture reflects the practical needs of its purpose, with a strong emphasis on stability and visibility.

Light Characteristics

• The Isle of May Lighthouse is equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, which provides a powerful beam of light that can be seen for up to 22 nautical miles.
• The light is white in color and flashes every 15 seconds, using a sequence of three flashes followed by an eight-second pause.

The lighthouse is equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, which provides a powerful beam of light that can be seen for up to 22 nautical miles.

Current Status

• The Isle of May Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since the 1980s.
• The lighthouse is still maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board, which ensures that its light and other equipment are in good working order.

The lighthouse is equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, which provides a powerful beam of light that can be seen for up to 22 nautical miles.

Location

• The Isle of May Lighthouse is located on the Isle of May, which is situated in the north of the outer Firth of Forth, approximately eight kilometers off the coast of mainland Scotland.
• The island can be accessed by ferry from Anstruther and Crail, with the journey taking around 45 minutes.

Visitors to the island can explore its natural beauty, including its seabird colonies and rugged coastline. The lighthouse itself is open to visitors, although access may be restricted during periods of bad weather or when the island is closed to visitors.

Heritage Status

• The Isle of May Lighthouse has been recognized as a Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest by Historic Environment Scotland.
• The lighthouse's keepers' houses and other buildings on the island have also been included in this list, reflecting their importance as part of the island's cultural heritage.

In addition to its architectural significance, the Isle of May Lighthouse has played an important role in Scotland's maritime history. It remains a popular destination for visitors interested in lighthouses and the country's rich nautical heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• The Isle of May Lighthouse has played host to several notable historical events over the years.
• In 1811, it was the site of a major storm that caused significant damage to the island's infrastructure. The lighthouse itself was rebuilt in response to this event, with Robert Stevenson designing a new tower that would provide improved visibility and stability.

In recent years, the Isle of May Lighthouse has been the subject of several restoration projects, including a major refurbishment of its tower and keepers' houses. These works have helped to ensure that the lighthouse remains in good working order and continues to serve as an important aid to navigation for mariners.