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Rubha Cadail Lighthouse

Rhue Road

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Rubha Cadail Lighthouse (Ullapool)
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

Rubha Cadail Lighthouse

The Rubha Cadail Lighthouse is located on Rhue Road in Ullapool, Scotland.

History

The Rubha Cadail Lighthouse has a long history dating back to the 19th century, when it was constructed to aid navigation for mariners.

Architecture and Construction

The Rubha Cadail Lighthouse stands at a height of approximately 11 meters (36 feet) above sea level.

  • Its focal height is believed to be around 21 meters (69 feet), making it an important aid to navigation for vessels in the area.
  • The lighthouse was designed by a prominent architect of its time and constructed using traditional materials such as stone and brick.

Light Characteristics

The Rubha Cadail Lighthouse features a distinctive four-lens rotating light system, which emits a green-white flash every 6 seconds.

  • This pattern is repeated for each of the eight lenses, creating a unique visual display that can be seen from a distance.
  • The lighthouse's light range extends up to 9 nautical miles (16 km), making it an essential aid to navigation for mariners in the area.

Current Status

The Rubha Cadail Lighthouse is currently no longer operational and has been automated.

However, its historic significance and importance as a navigational aid have led to its preservation and protection under Scottish heritage law.

Location and Accessibility

The Rubha Cadail Lighthouse is situated on Rhue Road in Ullapool, Scotland.

The lighthouse can be accessed via a public road, and visitors are welcome to explore the surrounding area, which offers stunning views of Loch Broom and the surrounding countryside.

Heritage Status

As an important aid to navigation and a notable example of 19th-century architecture, the Rubha Cadail Lighthouse has been recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

It is listed as a scheduled ancient monument in Scotland and is protected under heritage law.

Notable Historical Events

The Rubha Cadail Lighthouse played a significant role during World War II, when it was used as a navigational aid for Allied forces.

The lighthouse's distinctive light pattern was also used to signal the location of nearby naval vessels.

Details

NameRubha Cadail Lighthouse
CityUllapool
CountryUnited Kingdom
Coordinates57.92523, -5.223094
Current usePreserved and protected under Scottish heritage law