Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse

The Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the island of South Uist, off the west coast of Scotland.

History

• The lighthouse was constructed in 1860 by the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), a Scottish charity that built and maintained lighthouses along the UK's coastline.
• The lighthouse was originally painted in a striking green color, which has been retained to this day.

Architecture

The Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse is a characteristic 19th-century tower design, with a distinctive octagonal shape and a single cylindrical room at its base.

• The tower stands 9 meters tall, while the focal height of the light is 24 meters above sea level.

Light Characteristics

The Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse emits a distinctive four-color flash pattern: green (4 seconds), white (4 seconds), red (4 seconds), and white (4 seconds).

• The light can be seen from a range of 6-9 nautical miles, making it an important aid to navigation for mariners.

Current Status

The Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse is currently no longer in use as an active aid to navigation.

• However, the lighthouse remains a popular tourist attraction and has been designated as a museum by the NLB.
• Visitors can explore the tower and learn about its history and significance.

Location and Accessibility

The Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse is located on The Golden Road, near Drinishader village on South Uist.

• The island of South Uist is accessible by ferry from Oban or other nearby islands.
• The lighthouse itself is situated in a scenic coastal location, offering stunning views of the surrounding sea and landscape.

Heritage Status

The Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse has been designated as a Category A listed building by Historic Environment Scotland, recognizing its importance as an example of 19th-century Scottish architecture.

Notable Historical Events

• The Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse played an important role in the maritime history of Scotland during World War II.
• As part of the British war effort, the lighthouse was used to guide Allied convoys through the treacherous waters of the Outer Hebrides.