Pladda Lighthouse

The Pladda Lighthouse is situated at the southern end of the island of Pladda in western Scotland, on Shore Road.

History

• The lighthouse was commissioned by the Commissioners of the Northern Lights in 1790 and designed by Thomas Smith. It was the first light on the Clyde to be built during this period.
• The lighthouse had both an upper and a lower light to distinguish it from the three other lighthouses in the Firth of Clyde.

Architecture

The tower is 29 metres (95 ft) in height, with 128 steps leading to the top. The lighthouse was constructed using traditional materials and features a distinctive design that reflects its 18th-century origins.

Light Characteristics

• Under normal conditions, the light flashes three times every 30 seconds, visible for 17 nautical miles (31 kilometres).
• In the past, the lighthouse has employed various lighting systems, including a powerful flashing system introduced in 1901 and a foghorn installed in 1876.

Current Status

The Pladda Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation. It was automated in 1990, with remote monitoring now handled by the Northern Lighthouse Board's headquarters in Edinburgh.

Heritage Status

The lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance and is a notable example of 18th-century maritime architecture in Scotland.

Notable Historical Events

• In 1876, Pladda became one of the first stations to be equipped with a foghorn.
• The "double lights" were replaced by a more modern flashing system in 1901, marking an important milestone in the lighthouse's evolution as a navigational aid.