27/10/2010
'Held high above the dusky sea.
Far off the surf doth break and roar
Along bleak miles of moonlit shore...'
from ‘The Light-Keeper’ by Robert Louis Stevenson.
With over 6,200 miles of rugged coastline and frigid waters, early mariners visiting Scotland’s coast would have encountered some of the most treacherous marine conditions in Europe. It was in the 17th century, in an age of increasing commerce, that an organised movement to build and maintain lighthouses began. Scotland’s first ‘Lighthouse’ was built in 1636 on the Isle of May and consisted of a rudimentary brazier for burning coal on top of a forty foot tower. However, it wasn’t until 1786 that Parliament would pass “An act for erecting certain Lighthouses in the Northern Parts of Great Britain.’’ Under newly appointed Commissioners, the first four lighthouses to be built were constructed at Kinnaird Head, North Ronaldsay, Mull of Kintyre and Eilean Glas.
Today, lighthouses continue to endure as symbols of success and ingenuity. These majestic maritime monuments are testament to Scotland’s proud seafaring past and have inspired generations in science, art and literature.
RCAHMS holds over 15 million items relating to the history of the built environment in Scotland, and the collections contain a wide variety of items on lighthouses, lightkeepers’ cottages and beacons. These include historic photographs, architectural plans, engravings and sketches, modern survey photographs and drawings, and modern and historical aerial photographs, as well as the 1824 publication 'An Account of the Bell Rock Light-house’ by Robert Stevenson which contains 23 stunning engravings. Some examples from these collections are shown below. RCAHMS also maintains the archive of The Northern Lighthouse Board which contains almost 1,000 original drawings, including many designs by the Stevenson family.
SC 449785
Portpatrick Harbour, Lighthouse View from SSE showing tower, basin and hotel
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 493327
View of moorings and lighthouse, Caledonian Canal, Fort Augustus.
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 554181
View of Dunollie Lighthouse from SSE showing curved S front of lighthouse with Dunollie Castle in background
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 570151
Cromarty, George Street, Lighthouse View from S showing curved S front of lantern and tower
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 572772
View of lighthouse mechanism, Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse.
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 579341
View showing old and new lighthouses (West and East), Newhaven Harbour, Edinburgh.
© Courtesy of HES (Francis M Chrystal Collection)
SC 580005
Detail of dolphin-shaped handgrips and brackets on lantern, Skerryvore Lighthouse, Tiree.
© RCAHMS
SC 681159
View of leading light beacon, Ayr Harbour, from E showing curved E front.
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 684192
View of Eilean Glas Lighthouse, Scalpay, from ENE of new lighthouse tower and keeper's house, with rocks in foreground
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 786043
Engraving showing the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse. Titled: ''State of the works in August 1809'.
© RCAHMS
SC 786352
View of Arnish Point Lighthouse and keeper's dwelling, Lewis, from SW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 786355
Elevated view of Arnish Point Lighthouse tower and store from WSW with Isle of Lewis ferry in background.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 916506
Oblique aerial view looking across Fidra to the Bass Rock, taken from the W.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 924995
Detailed view from SE of foghorn house, Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse, built from re-inforced concrete, with ?1883? in brick voussoirs above doorway (possibly referring to an earlier fog-horn)
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 958511
Oblique aerial view centred on Cape Wrath lighthouse, keepers' cottages, cottages and support buildings with the radar station adjacent, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 960744
Oblique aerial view centred on Tiumpan Head Lighthouse, Lewis, and keepers cottages, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 968148
Oblique aerial view centred on St Moluag's chapel and township with lazy beds at Eoropie, Lewis and Butt of Lewis lighthouse adjacent, taken from the S.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 004570
View of Holborn Head Lighthouse, Scrabster.
© Courtesy of HES (Records of British Railways)
SC 973435
Engraving showing section through temporary barrack during the construction of Skerryvore Lighthouse.
© RCAHMS
SC 973550
View of Eilean Glas lighthouse complex and associated harbour, Scalpay, from NW
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 974006
Oblique aerial view centred on Ailsa Craig, the lighthouse, cottages, foghorn and castle, taken from the ESE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 983551
Oblique aerial view of Pladda centred on the lighthouse, taken from the SE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 007828
Oblique aerial view centred on Butt of Lewis Lighthouse and buildings, taken from the S.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 011673
Oblique aerial view of Boddam village, Buchan Ness Lighthouse and Peterhead power station, taken from the SE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 017989
Oblique aerial view centred on Fladda Lighthouse, taken from the SW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 018297
Oblique aerial view of Fraserburgh centred on the harbour, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1056455
Oblique aerial view of Barra Head lighthouse, Berneray, with the island of Mingulay and those to the N in the background, taken from the SSW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 024659
Oblique aerial view centred on the lock, house, piers and beacons at Clachnaharry, Caledonian Canal, Inverness, taken from the SSE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 024685
Oblique aerial view centred on Chanonry Point Lighthouse, cottages and ferry house, taken from the S.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 024703
Oblique aerial view centred on Cromarty harbour and the lighthouse, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 027541
Interior view of the cantilevered stone stair in Todhead Lighthouse looking up to the lightroom.
© RCAHMS
DP 027551
Detail of engineer's plate in the Gear House of Todhead Lighthouse inscribed ''First order dioptric flashing light showing flashes in quick succession during a period of about 15 seconds followed by a period of darkness of about 15 seconds. Designed by Messrs. Stevenson, Civil Engineers, Edinburgh. Constructed by M. Henry Lepante, Paris and Messrs. Milne & Son Limited Edinburgh. David A. Stevenson Engineer to the Board 1897. Apparatus makes one revolution in half a minute.''
© RCAHMS
DP 031371
Oblique aerial view centred on Oronsay Lighthouse, Skye with the adjacent cottages, taken from the E.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 031372
Oblique aerial view centred on Oronsay Lighthouse, Skye with adjacent cottages, taken from the NE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 036463
Oblique aerial view centred on Rattray Head Lighthouse, taken from the SSW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 036816
Oblique aerial view centred on Fife Ness Lighthouse with an airfield defence pillbox adjacent, taken from the East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1109974
This early example of a lighthouse from 1636 is situated on the highest point of the Isle of May. It is a small square tower with later parapet. View from East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041838
General oblique aerial view centred on Fidra Island and Lighthouse, taken from the ENE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041854
General oblique aerial view centred on Fidra Island showing Lighthouse in Foreground, taken from the NNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 042627
Oblique aerial view centred on Inchkeith South and mid defences with New Lighthouse in background taken from the SE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 042643
Oblique aerial view centred on Inchkeith northern defences and New Lighthouse, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 042662
Oblique aerial view centred on Inchkeith central defences and New Lighthouse, taken from the NNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 048870
View of the Hynish Lighthouse Shore Establishment or 'Old Barracks' from the South.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 048881
View of Cottages and signal tower at Hynish Lighthouse, view from South East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 049587
Oblique aerial view centred on Beamer Rock beacon, taken from the SW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 050305
Interior decoration and stencilling detail photographed prior to restoration, Turnberry Lighthouse. Ground floor, corridor.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 050323
View of Second World War latrines at Turnberry Lighthouse from South East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 053353
Oblique aerial view centred on Hoy Sound Low lighthouse with the coastal gun battery adjacent, taken from the North West.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 053356
Oblique aerial view centred on Hoy Sound High lighthouse, taken from the South East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 055516
General oblique aerial view centred on Brough of Birsay Lighthouse, taken from the WSW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 055731
Oblique aerial view centred on Helliar Holm Lighthouse, Shapinsay, taken from the South.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 055876
Detail of commemorative plaque to the completion of the New Lighthouse, Inchkeith from SSW inscribed ''For the direction of mariners, and for the benefit of commerce, this Lighthouse was erected by order of the Commissioners of the Northern Lighthouses. It was founded on the 18th day of May in the year 1803, and lighted on the 14th of September 1804. Thomas Smith, Engineer.''
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1138564
Oblique aerial view centred on Lybster harbour and lighthouse with the warehouses and road bridge adjacent, taken from the SW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 059279
General oblique aerial view of the Brough of Birsay centred on the Lighthouse, with the chapel and settlement in the distance, taken from the WNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 063998
Oblique aerial view centred on Montroseness 'Scurdie Ness' Lighthouse, taken from the NNE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 066092
Oblique aerial view centred on the Glencallum Bay Lighthouse, Bute, taken from the SW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 067947
General oblique aerial view of Duncansby Head Lighthouse and the Bay of Sannick, taken from the NE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1156757
Oblique aerial view centred on the Butt of Lewis lighthouse with the remains of the enclosures adjacent, taken from the ENE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 070442
General oblique view centred on Hynish Harbour and Lighthouse, taken from the E.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 083611
View of the North accomodation block and storage tanks, Rona Lighthouse, taken from the SSW.
© RCAHMS
SC 1205883
Engraving showing view of Girdleness Lighthouse, Aberdeen. Titled: 'The Light House, Aberdeen'. 'London: Published for the Proprietors by Geo: Virtue, 26, Ivy Lane, 1840'.
© RCAHMS
DP 088479
Engraving showing the Bell Rock works. Titled: 'Apparatus Connected With the Bell Rock Works'' and also 'View of the Sheer Crane', 'Front View of the Sheer Crane', 'Section of Praam-Boat', 'Moorings of the Praam-Boats', 'View of the Rock and Foundation Pit', 'Section of Attending Boat with Two-Half Boat', 'Stern View of Two-Half Boat'.
© RCAHMS
DP 089757
Engraving showing the construction of Bell Rock Lighthouse. Titled: ''General view of the Bell Rock Works''.
© RCAHMS
DP 089758
Engraving showing designs for the Bell Rock Lighthouse. Titled: ''Designs for the Bell Rock Light House by Mr Stevenson' and 'Designs for the Bell Rock Light House by Mr Rennie'.
© RCAHMS
DP 089759
Engraving showing progress of the Bell Rock Lighthouse works. Titled: 'Progress of the Bell Rock Works'; 'State of the Works in August 1809'; 'State of the Works in September 1808' and 'State of the works in July 1810'.
© RCAHMS
SC 353909
View of Girdleness Lighthouse tower, Greyhope Road, Aberdeen (NJ90NE 8.00), from WNW. The lighhouse was built in 1833 by Robert Stevenson.
© RCAHMS
SC 444722
Aberdeen Harbour, Torry, Sinclair Road, East Leading Light View from SE
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 449785
Portpatrick Harbour, Lighthouse View from SSE showing tower, basin and hotel
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 493327
View of moorings and lighthouse, Caledonian Canal, Fort Augustus.
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 554181
View of Dunollie Lighthouse from SSE showing curved S front of lighthouse with Dunollie Castle in background
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 570151
Cromarty, George Street, Lighthouse View from S showing curved S front of lantern and tower
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 572772
View of lighthouse mechanism, Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse.
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 579341
View showing old and new lighthouses (West and East), Newhaven Harbour, Edinburgh.
© Courtesy of HES (Francis M Chrystal Collection)
SC 580005
Detail of dolphin-shaped handgrips and brackets on lantern, Skerryvore Lighthouse, Tiree.
© RCAHMS
SC 681159
View of leading light beacon, Ayr Harbour, from E showing curved E front.
© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume
SC 684192
View of Eilean Glas Lighthouse, Scalpay, from ENE of new lighthouse tower and keeper's house, with rocks in foreground
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 786043
Engraving showing the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse. Titled: ''State of the works in August 1809'.
© RCAHMS
SC 786352
View of Arnish Point Lighthouse and keeper's dwelling, Lewis, from SW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 786355
Elevated view of Arnish Point Lighthouse tower and store from WSW with Isle of Lewis ferry in background.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 860630
Oblique aerial view of the beacon, Isle of Fethaland, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 916506
Oblique aerial view looking across Fidra to the Bass Rock, taken from the W.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 924995
Detailed view from SE of foghorn house, Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse, built from re-inforced concrete, with ?1883? in brick voussoirs above doorway (possibly referring to an earlier fog-horn)
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 958511
Oblique aerial view centred on Cape Wrath lighthouse, keepers' cottages, cottages and support buildings with the radar station adjacent, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 960744
Oblique aerial view centred on Tiumpan Head Lighthouse, Lewis, and keepers cottages, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 968148
Oblique aerial view centred on St Moluag's chapel and township with lazy beds at Eoropie, Lewis and Butt of Lewis lighthouse adjacent, taken from the S.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 004570
View of Holborn Head Lighthouse, Scrabster.
© Courtesy of HES (Records of British Railways)
SC 973435
Engraving showing section through temporary barrack during the construction of Skerryvore Lighthouse.
© RCAHMS
SC 973550
View of Eilean Glas lighthouse complex and associated harbour, Scalpay, from NW
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 974006
Oblique aerial view centred on Ailsa Craig, the lighthouse, cottages, foghorn and castle, taken from the ESE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 983551
Oblique aerial view of Pladda centred on the lighthouse, taken from the SE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 007828
Oblique aerial view centred on Butt of Lewis Lighthouse and buildings, taken from the S.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 011673
Oblique aerial view of Boddam village, Buchan Ness Lighthouse and Peterhead power station, taken from the SE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 017989
Oblique aerial view centred on Fladda Lighthouse, taken from the SW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 018297
Oblique aerial view of Fraserburgh centred on the harbour, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1056455
Oblique aerial view of Barra Head lighthouse, Berneray, with the island of Mingulay and those to the N in the background, taken from the SSW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 024659
Oblique aerial view centred on the lock, house, piers and beacons at Clachnaharry, Caledonian Canal, Inverness, taken from the SSE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 024685
Oblique aerial view centred on Chanonry Point Lighthouse, cottages and ferry house, taken from the S.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 024703
Oblique aerial view centred on Cromarty harbour and the lighthouse, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 027541
Interior view of the cantilevered stone stair in Todhead Lighthouse looking up to the lightroom.
© RCAHMS
DP 027551
Detail of engineer's plate in the Gear House of Todhead Lighthouse inscribed ''First order dioptric flashing light showing flashes in quick succession during a period of about 15 seconds followed by a period of darkness of about 15 seconds. Designed by Messrs. Stevenson, Civil Engineers, Edinburgh. Constructed by M. Henry Lepante, Paris and Messrs. Milne & Son Limited Edinburgh. David A. Stevenson Engineer to the Board 1897. Apparatus makes one revolution in half a minute.''
© RCAHMS
DP 031371
Oblique aerial view centred on Oronsay Lighthouse, Skye with the adjacent cottages, taken from the E.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 031372
Oblique aerial view centred on Oronsay Lighthouse, Skye with adjacent cottages, taken from the NE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 036463
Oblique aerial view centred on Rattray Head Lighthouse, taken from the SSW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 036816
Oblique aerial view centred on Fife Ness Lighthouse with an airfield defence pillbox adjacent, taken from the East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1109974
This early example of a lighthouse from 1636 is situated on the highest point of the Isle of May. It is a small square tower with later parapet. View from East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041838
General oblique aerial view centred on Fidra Island and Lighthouse, taken from the ENE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 041854
General oblique aerial view centred on Fidra Island showing Lighthouse in Foreground, taken from the NNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 042627
Oblique aerial view centred on Inchkeith South and mid defences with New Lighthouse in background taken from the SE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 042643
Oblique aerial view centred on Inchkeith northern defences and New Lighthouse, taken from the NW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 042662
Oblique aerial view centred on Inchkeith central defences and New Lighthouse, taken from the NNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 048087
Holy Island, Arran with lighthouse in foreground, oblique aerial view.
© HES (Aerofilms Collection)
DP 048870
View of the Hynish Lighthouse Shore Establishment or 'Old Barracks' from the South.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 048881
View of Cottages and signal tower at Hynish Lighthouse, view from South East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 049587
Oblique aerial view centred on Beamer Rock beacon, taken from the SW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 050305
Interior decoration and stencilling detail photographed prior to restoration, Turnberry Lighthouse. Ground floor, corridor.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 050323
View of Second World War latrines at Turnberry Lighthouse from South East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 053353
Oblique aerial view centred on Hoy Sound Low lighthouse with the coastal gun battery adjacent, taken from the North West.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 053356
Oblique aerial view centred on Hoy Sound High lighthouse, taken from the South East.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 055516
General oblique aerial view centred on Brough of Birsay Lighthouse, taken from the WSW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 055731
Oblique aerial view centred on Helliar Holm Lighthouse, Shapinsay, taken from the South.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 055876
Detail of commemorative plaque to the completion of the New Lighthouse, Inchkeith from SSW inscribed ''For the direction of mariners, and for the benefit of commerce, this Lighthouse was erected by order of the Commissioners of the Northern Lighthouses. It was founded on the 18th day of May in the year 1803, and lighted on the 14th of September 1804. Thomas Smith, Engineer.''
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1138564
Oblique aerial view centred on Lybster harbour and lighthouse with the warehouses and road bridge adjacent, taken from the SW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 059279
General oblique aerial view of the Brough of Birsay centred on the Lighthouse, with the chapel and settlement in the distance, taken from the WNW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 063998
Oblique aerial view centred on Montroseness 'Scurdie Ness' Lighthouse, taken from the NNE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 066092
Oblique aerial view centred on the Glencallum Bay Lighthouse, Bute, taken from the SW.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 067947
General oblique aerial view of Duncansby Head Lighthouse and the Bay of Sannick, taken from the NE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1156757
Oblique aerial view centred on the Butt of Lewis lighthouse with the remains of the enclosures adjacent, taken from the ENE.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 070442
General oblique view centred on Hynish Harbour and Lighthouse, taken from the E.
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 073570
General view of Buchan Ness lighthouse and pier, Boddam.
© Courtesy of HES (Peterhead Album)
DP 083606
View from the helipad looking towards the cairn and Rona Lighthouse, taken from the South.
© RCAHMS
DP 083611
View of the North accomodation block and storage tanks, Rona Lighthouse, taken from the SSW.
© RCAHMS
SC 1205883
Engraving showing view of Girdleness Lighthouse, Aberdeen. Titled: 'The Light House, Aberdeen'. 'London: Published for the Proprietors by Geo: Virtue, 26, Ivy Lane, 1840'.
© RCAHMS
DP 088479
Engraving showing the Bell Rock works. Titled: 'Apparatus Connected With the Bell Rock Works'' and also 'View of the Sheer Crane', 'Front View of the Sheer Crane', 'Section of Praam-Boat', 'Moorings of the Praam-Boats', 'View of the Rock and Foundation Pit', 'Section of Attending Boat with Two-Half Boat', 'Stern View of Two-Half Boat'.
© RCAHMS
DP 089757
Engraving showing the construction of Bell Rock Lighthouse. Titled: ''General view of the Bell Rock Works''.
© RCAHMS
DP 089758
Engraving showing designs for the Bell Rock Lighthouse. Titled: ''Designs for the Bell Rock Light House by Mr Stevenson' and 'Designs for the Bell Rock Light House by Mr Rennie'.
© RCAHMS
DP 089759
Engraving showing progress of the Bell Rock Lighthouse works. Titled: 'Progress of the Bell Rock Works'; 'State of the Works in August 1809'; 'State of the Works in September 1808' and 'State of the works in July 1810'.
© RCAHMS