Skerryvore Lighthouse

The Skerryvore Lighthouse was built between 1838 and 1844 by Alan Stevenson, who constructed it to aid navigation for mariners off the west coast of Scotland. The lighthouse stands at a height of 156 feet (48 metres) and is the tallest in Scotland.

Architecture

The Skerryvore Lighthouse is constructed from local stone, with a distinctive tower design that has become iconic in Scottish maritime architecture. The lighthouse's focal height is 46 feet above sea level, providing a clear line of sight for vessels navigating the surrounding waters.

Light Characteristics

The Skerryvore Lighthouse emits a white light with a range of 23 nautical miles (43 kilometres). The light operates on a period of 10 seconds, with a sequence of flashes that can be identified as Fl. The lighthouse is equipped with a radio station and radar transponder, providing additional aid to navigation.

Current Status

The Skerryvore Lighthouse was automated in 1994, marking the end of an era for human keepers on remote Scottish islands. Today, the lighthouse operates under the control of automated systems, although it remains an important navigational aid for mariners.

Location and Accessibility

Skerryvore is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland, approximately 11 nautical miles (20 kilometres) southwest of Tiree. The island can be accessed by boat or helicopter, although this requires careful planning and preparation due to its remote location.

Heritage Status

The Skerryvore Lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance, with a notable listing on the Scottish Inventory of Historic Sites. This designation acknowledges the lighthouse's importance as an example of 19th-century maritime architecture and its role in the history of navigation off Scotland's west coast.

Notable Historical Events

A fire at the Skerryvore Lighthouse in 1954 forced the closure of operations for five years, highlighting the challenges faced by keepers on remote Scottish islands. The lighthouse was subsequently restored and automated, marking a significant shift in its operational status.

History

1. The Skerryvore Lighthouse was built between 1838 and 1844 by Alan Stevenson, who constructed it to aid navigation for mariners off the west coast of Scotland. The lighthouse stands at a height of 156 feet (48 metres) and is the tallest in Scotland.
2. The Skerryvore Lighthouse is constructed from local stone, with a distinctive tower design that has become iconic in Scottish maritime architecture. The lighthouse's focal height is 46 feet above sea level, providing a clear line of sight for vessels navigating the surrounding waters.
3. The Skerryvore Lighthouse emits a white light with a range of 23 nautical miles (43 kilometres). The light operates on a period of 10 seconds, with a sequence of flashes that can be identified as Fl. The lighthouse is equipped with a radio station and radar transponder, providing additional aid to navigation.
4. The Skerryvore Lighthouse was automated in 1994, marking the end of an era for human keepers on remote Scottish islands. Today, the lighthouse operates under the control of automated systems, although it remains an important navigational aid for mariners.
5. Skerryvore is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland, approximately 11 nautical miles (20 kilometres) southwest of Tiree. The island can be accessed by boat or helicopter, although this requires careful planning and preparation due to its remote location.
6. The Skerryvore Lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance, with a notable listing on the Scottish Inventory of Historic Sites. This designation acknowledges the lighthouse's importance as an example of 19th-century maritime architecture and its role in the history of navigation off Scotland's west coast.
7. A fire at the Skerryvore Lighthouse in 1954 forced the closure of operations for five years, highlighting the challenges faced by keepers on remote Scottish islands. The lighthouse was subsequently restored and automated, marking a significant shift in its operational status.

Architecture

• The Skerryvore Lighthouse is constructed from local stone, with a distinctive tower design that has become iconic in Scottish maritime architecture.
• The lighthouse's focal height is 46 feet above sea level, providing a clear line of sight for vessels navigating the surrounding waters.