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Dunnet Head Lighthouse
United Kingdom
Dunnet Head lighthouse was engineered by Robert Stevenson and built by James Smith of Inverness. The light was first lit in 1831.
The lighthouse stands on Easter Head on Dunnet Head and marks the most northerly point of the Scottish Mainland. It is just 6.75 miles across the Pentland Firth to the nearest point on the Orkney Isles. The Pentland Firth is a channel of water between the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and is well known for the rough waters especially when the spring tides run extremely fast. The area is dotted with small islands and rocks making navigation treacherous, especially to smaller vessels.
A Chance Brothers of Smethwick near Birmingham 1st Order lens was installed in 1908 and remained in situ until the light was automated in March 1989.
The Chance lens was then removed and is now in the care of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh.
The lighthouse is now a Category B listed building.
The Lighthouse was visited by the Queen Mother on several occasions when she was staying nearby at the Castle of Mey.
| Manufacture Date | 1908 |
|---|---|
| Lighthouse Construction | 1831 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Commissioning Body | Northern Lighthouse Board |
| Lens Order | 1st order |
| Lens Type | Revolving |
| Status | publish |
| Light Character | Fl (4) W 30s |
| Lighthouse Markings | White stone tower 20 metres high with ochre trim, balcony and black lantern. |
| Lighthouse Parts | None |
| Management Body Ports Authority | Northern Lighthouse Board |
| Preserver | Northern Lighthouse Board |
| Coastal Erosion Vulnerability | |
| Condition Observations | None made. |
| Open Status (Site) | Closed |
| Open Status (Tower) | Closed |
| Coordinates | 58.6712086986,-3.3766593156 |
| Other | 3 of the original lighthouse keepers cottages are available as holiday accommodation. The lighthouse also has an events room and is available for weddings. Please see https://dunnetheadlighthouse.com ARLHS SCO-063; Admiralty A3574; NGA 3040. |