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.
13. Cape Wrath (1828)
The Cape Wrath Lighthouse sits on the most north-westerly tip of the Scottish mainland. When built in 1928 its limited height meant it was regularly obscured by fog and low clouds. Photo: YouTube Screenshot via Girl Outdoors
14. Tarbat Ness (1830)
The Tarbat Ness Lighthouse was first exhibited on January 26, 1830. The tower is apparently the third tallest in Scotland at 41 metres (203 steps to climb it). Photo: carron on Flickr
15. Mull of Galloway (1830)
This lighthouse is also known as a Stevenson Tower. It required two years to build from 1828 and was first lit on March 26, 1830. Photo: jmennens on Flickr
16. Dunnet Head (1831)
The Dunnet Head Lighthouse is situated on the most northerly point of the Scottish mainland by the local town Thurso. Photo: 94039982@N00 on Flickr