Scalpay, Eilean Glas Lighthouse, Pier

A condition survey of the Eilean Glas lighthouse complex, Scalpay, undertaken on behalf of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on 4 and 5 June 2015.

Stone-built pier with concrete surfacing, built partially over rock outcrop in a harbour known as Reid’s Haven, named after Alexander Reid, the first keeper from 1789 to 1823. Accessed over land via tarmacadam surfaced path (350439). Disused metal crane stands at north end. Timber hatch cover in centre over large iron cylinder and pipework in concrete-lined recess. This was possibly used for pumping diesel to the lighthouse via a small pipeline (350429). Steel ladder at north end of pier, stone steps leading down to low-water mark on east side. Some brick infill to structure at north-west corner. Various iron bars and cramps used to reinforce structure. Metal pole stands upright from pier level in south-west corner; purpose unknown. Numerous iron loops and fixings on rocks in vicinity of pier to aid landing. Originally constructed 1787-9; ongoing later modifications in nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

One of the first four lighthouses constructed by the Northern Lighthouse Commissioners, construction began on Eilean Glas lighthouse in 1787 . It was first lit on 10 October 1789, and the site has continued to operate through successive phases of development to the present day. The development of the lighthouse can be summarised in four phases: the construction of the first lighthouse and associated buildings in 1787-9; the construction of the second (current) lighthouse and associated buildings in 1824; the construction of a new keeper’s cottage and foghorn in the early twentieth century; and the development of technological infrastructure during the twentieth century, including aerial masts and the helipad.

This structure dates from the first period of the site’s development. The first lighthouse to be constructed at Eilean Glas was a stone tower (268310) with an adjoining keeper’s cottage (350404). A plan of 1813 shows the lighthouse flanked by a courtyard to the east, accessed by a track from the pier (268312), which appears at this point to have functioned as a wharf for loading directly from South Harbour . Also shown is a storehouse near the pier, presumably the same structure that still survives today (268313). The field system, used by the lighthouse keeper to grow food during the day, is shown at its full extent at this point, although only the southern portion is shown as being under cultivation, and the path system is yet to be fully developed.

The lighthouse was automated in 1978, which resulted in the majority of structures on the site no longer being required by the NLB . In 1982 and 1984 these were sold into private ownership . At this point a modern foghorn and an aerial mast were still operational; these have since been decommissioned.