Last year, we celebrated 250 years since the birth of Robert Stevenson, the civil engineer from Glasgow credited for building most Scottish lighthouses and the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson; the novelist behind Treasure Island.
These majestic monuments have served as the lifeline of Seafarers at the mercy of Scottish weather while navigating treacherous waters. They have literally and symbolically upheld the title “beacon of hope” for generations of Scots in need of their illumination.
To the wave-battered coastline of Shetland to Scotland’s southernmost point at the Mull of Galloway, here are 19 Scottish lighthouses designed by Robert Stevenson.
9. Eilean Glas (Rebuilt 1824)
The Eilean Glas Lighthouse was one of the first four lighthouses to be constructed in Scotland; it can be found on the island of Scalpay. Photo: via WikiCommons
10. Rinns of Islay (1825)
You can find this lighthouse on the Island of Orsay, Skye. It was originally built priced at £8000 with contractor John Gibb from Aberdeen. Photo: YouTube Screenshot via Islay Drone Photography
11. Buchan Ness (1827)
The lighthouse was established after 1819 when the Commissioners from the Magistrates, Town Councils and Harbour trustees of Peterhead received petitions to do so. Photo: YouTube Screenshot via Mprov Aerial Imaging
12. Pentland Skerries (Rebuilt 1827)
The Pentland Skerries lighthouses were constructed by Orkney masons under supervision from Robert Stevenson himself. Photo: Submitted