Muckle Flugga Lighthouse

The Muckle Flugga Lighthouse was originally constructed to protect ships during the Crimean War and was designed by the brothers Thomas and David Stevenson.

History

• The lighthouse was first lit on January 1, 1858, and stands as Britain's most northerly lighthouse at a height of 64 feet (20 m).
• It has been an important aid to navigation for over 160 years.

Architecture

The Muckle Flugga Lighthouse is a traditional lighthouse design, with a tower height of 66 feet (20.1 m) and a focal height of 66 feet (20.1 m).

• The lighthouse was built using local materials, including stone and iron.
• It features a distinctive shape, with three sections that are separated by narrow landings.

Light Characteristics

The Muckle Flugga Lighthouse emits a white light that flashes every 20 seconds, with a nominal range of 22 nautical miles (41 km).

• The light is an important aid to navigation for mariners in the area.

Current Status

The lighthouse was fully automated in March 1995.

Today, it remains an active aid to navigation, although its role has been somewhat diminished by modern aids such as GPS and electronic charts.

Location and Accessibility

The Muckle Flugga Lighthouse is located on the island of Unst, which is part of the Shetland Islands in Scotland.

• The lighthouse can be accessed via a footpath from the nearby shore station at Burrafirth.
• Visitors can also reach the lighthouse by boat, although this requires permission and planning.

Heritage Status

The Muckle Flugga Lighthouse is a scheduled ancient monument and is protected by law.

It has been designated as a Grade A listed building by Historic Environment Scotland.

Notable Historical Events

• The Muckle Flugga Lighthouse played an important role in the Crimean War, serving as a vital aid to navigation for ships passing through the area.
• The lighthouse was also used as a setting for the wartime comedy Back-Room Boy.
• In 1869, the writer Robert Louis Stevenson visited the lighthouse as a young man, which inspired him to create his famous novel "Treasure Island".