Southerness Lighthouse
| Southerness Lighthouse | |
 Southerness Lighthouse | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NX972547 |
| Location: | 54°52’23"N, 3°35’43"W |
| Characteristics | |
| Height: | 56 feet |
| Tower shape: | Square |
| Tower marking: | White |
| History | |
| Built 1749 | |
| First lit: | 1800 (approx.) |
| Information | |
Southerness lighthouse stands on the north shore of the Solway Firth at Southerness in Kirkcudbrightshire. It is the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland.
The lighthouse was commissioned by the Town Council of Dumfries in 1748 to assist in the safe passage though the Solway Firth of ships heading to the Nith Estuary. Its importance at the time was great: at that time there were few roads through Galloway and so the bulk of trade even between local villages, was carried by sea. Dumfries, at the head of the estuary, was a major port and had regular connections with Liverpool and Ireland. Construction was completed in 1749.
In 1805 the lighthouse was greatly improved under the guidance of the famous lighthouse engineer Robert Stevenson assisted by James Slight.[1]
The lighthouse was raised from its original structure twice, most notably between 1842 and 1844 to a design by Walter Newall.
The lighthouse was first lit around 1800. It was extinguished due to financial reasons between 1867 and 1894. The light was decommissioned in 1936.
Gallery
- Southerness Lighthouse
The lighthouse from the path
The lanter, showing wear
