Sumburgh Head Lighthouse

Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is located at the southern headland of mainland Shetland.
With the increase in coastal traffic in the 18th century, the need for a lighthouse became more urgent.

Building commenced in January 1819 by John Reid, a builder from Peterhead. During its construction, the Freemason of Lerwick, bound from Peterhead with glass and materials for the lighthouse, foundered at the entrance to Greetness Voe. Only one of the crew survived.
The tower was first lit in 1821 and contained 26 parabolic reflectors with lamps instead of the usual 21. It initially displayed a fixed white light, visible for 24 miles at an elevation of 299ft above sea level.

The optical apparatus is group flashing with Stevenson’s equiangular refractor showing flashes every 30 seconds. The contractors were Chance Brothers & Co Ltd of Birmingham and also James Dove & Co of Greenside, Edinburgh.

On 19th January 1864, the Royal Victoria, a coal ship bound from Sunderland to Calcutta, foundered near the lighthouse. Of the 32 crew, 13 perished, including Captain Leslie, who was buried at Dunrossness Churchyard. His parents presented a bell to be used as a fog signal at Sumburgh Head. This bell was used until the fog signal was established in 1906. The bell was removed and hung in the Parish Church at Dunrossness, where it remains. The fog signal, which sounded one blast every 90 seconds, was discontinued in 1987.

The lighthouse was automated in Spring 1991, and the Category B listed dwelling was bought privately in October 1993. The Shetland Amenity Trust has since bought it, a charitable organisation set up to conserve and enhance Shetland’s heritage.

There is an excellent visitor centre and cafe on the lighthouse grounds.

The area is also managed by the RSPB.