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Ardnamurchan Lighthouse

Ardnamurchan Lighthouse
Àird Nam Murchan
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse
Map
LocationLochaber
Scotland
OS gridNM4158767473
Coordinates56°43′38″N 6°13′34″W / 56.7271°N 6.2260°W / 56.7271; -6.2260
Tower
Constructed1849
Built byAlan Stevenson Edit this on Wikidata
Constructiongranite tower
Automated1988
Height36 metres (118 ft)
ShapeCylindrical Tower with balcony and lantern attached to 1-storey keeper's house
Markingsunpainted grey tower, black lantern
OperatorNorthern Lighthouse Board
Heritagecategory A listed building Edit this on Wikidata
Light
Focal height55 metres (180 ft)
Range24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi)
CharacteristicFl (2) W 20s.

Ardnamurchan Lighthouse is a listed 19th century lighthouse, located on Ardnamurchan Point in Lochaber part of the Highland council area of Scotland. The lighthouse with its 36-metre-tall (118 ft), pink granite tower was completed in 1849 to a design by Alan Stevenson.[1][2] It is the only lighthouse in the UK built in the Egyptian style.[3] Mains electricity was installed in 1976, the light was automated in 1988 and is now operated remotely by the Northern Lighthouse Board from Edinburgh.[2][4]

The former keepers' cottages and outbuildings are owned by the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Trust and operated as a visitor centre,[2][5] with a museum called the 'Kingdom of Light' - Rioghachd na Sorcha. Exhibits detail the history and operations of the lighthouse, including access to the restored engine room and workshop with the original fog horn. Other displays include the geology and natural history of the area, and local social history and culture.[3]

A part-time light keeper is retained by the Northern Lighthouse Board who is based at Ardnamurchan and who also looks after Rubha nan Gall and Corran Point lighthouses. Less maintenance is required with the introduction of LED lights. At Ardnamurchan the power is only 48 watts although in 2019 it was increased to 72 watts.[4]

The last part of the computer game Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened takes place in this lighthouse.

In 2021, the lighthouse was featured in an episode of British motoring television programme Top Gear, where the presenters raced three off-road vehicles to deliver and fit a new light bulb.[6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Scotland: Highlands". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Ardnamurchan Lighthouse". Northern Lighthouse Board. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
  3. ^ a b "Ardnamurchan Lighthouse". Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Trust. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
  4. ^ a b Drainey, Nick (2019). "Northern Lights". Scottish Field. April: 78–82.
  5. ^ "Ardnamurchan Lighthouse". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
  6. ^ "New Top Gear s30, ep3: Defender, Nomad and G63 in Scotland". topgear.com. BBC Top Gear. 28 March 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
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