Isle of May Lighthouse

A lighthouse has been in existence on the Isle of May since 1636, when a fire beacon was first erected.

A new lighthouse was built in 1816, designed by Robert Stevenson. This grand and ornate castle-like structure in the centre of the island was first lit on 1st September of that year and had accommodation for three lightkeepers and their families, and additional room for visiting officials.

In 1836 the lighthouse was upgraded, and a new light and refractor lens was installed. The lighthouse housed the first British dioptric fixed light (manufacturer uknown)

Further extensive work took place in 1886. Three additional dwellings, an engine house, boiler house, workshop and coal store were built in a small valley containing a freshwater loch, 270 yards from the lighthouse. The keepers referred to this as Fluke Street. Nowadays, some of the buildings are used by volunteers for the bird observatory, which operates on the island.

In 1924 the electric light was discontinued due to the high cost of the coal and, with improvements in oil lighting, it was replaced with an incandescent mantle. A single flash first order dioptric lens manufactured by Chance Brothers was installed making it the most powerful in Scotland at the time.

The first order optic has since been removed and is on display at the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh.

About a quarter of a mile from the lighthouse on the east side of the island is the tower and buildings for the Low Light. This was first exhibited in April 1844 in conjunction with the main lighthouse which, when aligned, guided ships clear of the North Carr Rock, seven miles north of the island.

When the North Carr Lightship was established in 1887, the Low Light was discontinued. This is now occupied as an ornithological centre, and volunteers can stay here.