Scalpay, Eilean Glas Lighthouse, Path

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

Concrete path surrounding 1901 keepers’ cottages (317295). Moulded drainage channels; in south west corner path sits on a high retaining wall built from cement-pointed rubble with metal railings. Provides access to: Mess Room (350424) via path (350425); water tank for foghorn air compressor (350418); and road (350416). Single course of bricks used as edge detail in courtyard, possibly covering cable/pipe run. Path laid on loose stone rubble, with some brick and concrete. Presumably 1901, contemporary with keepers’ cottages.

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/These remains date from the third period of the site’s development. At the beginning of the twentieth century the station was upgraded to include a foghorn, which necessitated the creation of several new structures: the foghorn itself (268315), which had the ability to rotate; a large building housing the engine room for the air compressors, a radio room and an additional keeper to operate the foghorn (317295); and a bank of smaller compressed air tanks which connected the two (350421). These were constructed between 1901 and 1907, and may comprise one of the oldest surviving foghorn installations in Scotland.

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.