Fladda (Cullipool)

The island of Fladda is dominated by Fladda Lighthouse, located on the eastern side of the tiny island. In 1860 the Northern Lighthouse Board purchased it to build the lighthouse. The island was initially called Phladda. It was changed to Fladda by the Northern Lighthouse Board to avoid confusion with the island of Pladda, which also has a lighthouse.

Fladda Lighthouse was built in 1860, designed by David and Thomas Stevenson. First lit by paraffin, it was later converted to gas before electrification.

The Fladda boatmen came from several generations of the Mclachlan family, who were also Luing fishermen. From the Isle of Luing, they supplied boats for the relief of keepers and provision of supplies.

Originally the island had no soil. Peat was brought over from ships returning from Ireland with supplies of slate, providing fertile soil. Fresh water was brought in small wooden barrels from Luing, as there was none available on the island. The large enclosed garden was an excellent resource for the Fladda lighthouse families.

Fladda Lighthouse was the second major NLB lighthouse to be automated. As part of the process it was downgraded to a minor light status. The lighthouse was automated in 1956.

Also in the Sound of Luing is the minor light of Dubh Sgeir Lighthouse.

The former optic from Fladda Lighthouse is now on display at the Atlantic Islands Centre in Cullipool, where there are also archive materials relating to Fladda Lighthouse and the keepers.

The cottages are privately owned.