click on image to see some larger photos

Ardnamurchan lighthouse

Tower: Height: 35 metres, grey granite conical tower, built of granite blocks from the North Bay quarry in the Ross of Mull. 152 steps to top of tower

Elevation: 55 metres

Range: 2 white flashes every 20 seconds visible for 24 miles

This light is operational

built 1849 by Alan Stevenson

Date automated: 1988

Current use: Active aid to navigation.

The lighthouse tower and surrounding buildings are listed as buildings of architectural and historical interest.

This lighthouse is to be the only one in the world designed in an Egyptian style!

The Keepers' cottages can be rented as self-catering accommodation throughout the year.

There's a visitor centre based in the Principal Keeper's House with a café nearby, the fog horn and engine room can also be visited as well as the lighthouse tower itself, from where you have breathtaking views. It is open from April to October, run by the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Trust and it is indeed well worth a visit!

If you're not sure about the weather, visibility or opening hours, you might call 01972 510 210.

Fog Horn

The original, air powered fog horn is still complete, although it has now been superseded by an electric unit mounted high on the tower.
The fog horn area and its platform are ideally placed to encompass the view to the Inner Hebrides and it is a well established whale and dolphin viewing area.

The original 550.000 candlepower lighthouse lens
(1 candlepower is the radiating power of a light with the intensity of 1 candle. This unit was replaced by the candela in 1948. 1 candlepower is equal to about 0.981 candela.)
Rebuilt in 1997 this is the former and original lens and light of Ardnamurchan lighthouse, designed by Alan Stevenson, it was in use until 1988, when it was replaced by a modern halogen installation. Latest lighthouse design trends indicate a return to the use of lenses.