Holburn Head

History

The first part of the name is Norst, Holl, a hill while the last syllable is probably from borg, the hill fort.
Holburn Head Lighthouse is situated on Little Holburn Head, Scrabster, on the west side of Thurso Bay, Pentland Firth.

Permission was granted from the Board of Trade in 1859 to build a lighthouse on Holburn Head, but it was until 1861 that building actually started. There is much correspondence between London and Edinburgh relating to the estimate for the work. Details are given below:-

£
Land 200
Dwelling houses, including raised building to support lantern 1,250
Iron parapet, lantern, lighting apparatus 820
Gardens, Fences, Water etc 352
Road including retaining walls 550
Furnishing, advertising 360
3,532
Add for accidents 368
£ 3,900

The Board of Trade thought the estimates far too high and opposed by letter the cost of nearly everything. The drawings and specifications of the lantern and apparatus had to be forwarded to the Board for further examination, but finally permission was granted to proceed with the building.
Mr Stewart from Peterhead was building contractor and Mr James Scott was appointed inspector. The tower was completed ahead of schedule and Messrs Milne and Sons made changes to the lantern, which was originally a temporary light at Whalsey. This had to be changed to revolving condensing apparatus. The light was first exhibited on Monday 1 September 1862 and the Notice to Mariners stated "The light will be a dioptric holophotal flashing light. Showing a flash every 10 seconds, it will be seen as a white light towards the Pentland Firth and Thurso Bay and as a red light towards Scrabster Roadstead".

The Station was automated in 1988 and the Lightkeepers withdrawn. 

The light at Holburn Head was permanently discontinued in August 2003 following alterations to the port facility in the vicinity of the lighthouse.

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