Sumburgh Head Lighthouse

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Sumburgh Head Lighthouse from the south, ca 2002 Photo Peter II
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse from the south, ca 2002 Photo Peter II
The tower
The tower

Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, built in 1821, is the oldest lighthouse in Shetland.

Basic Information :

NameSumburgh Head Lighthouse
PositionLatitude 59° 51.3’N

Longitude 01° 16.3’W
(HU 407078)

LocationOn Sumburgh Head, Dunrossness, the south end of the Shetland Mainland
Description A 56 foot high white tower, with 52 steps to the top
Built byRobert Stevenson Snr
First lit1821
CharacterFlashing (3) white every 30 seconds
Nominal Range23 miles
Elevation299 foot.
Automated1991
Other informationFoghorn established 1906, discontinued 1987
The former keepers' houses are now owned by the Shetland Amenity Trust, and in use as self-catering accomodation.

The site is understood to have been that of a much earlier Fort, and today also includes the remains of WWII concrete buildings which were a Chain Home Low Radar Station, one of the earliest in the UK.

External links

The Foghorn
The Foghorn


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