The Brough of Birsay is an uninhabited tidal island off the northwest coast of mainland Orkney. Standing 52 metres above sea level, though only 11 metres high, the Brough of Birsay Lighthouse marks the northeast tip of the Orkney mainland. Although very little is known of its history the lighthouse is brick built with white render but is unusual in its design with its castellated tower.
History
1925: The lighthouse was designed and built by David A Stevenson.
2002: The lighting system is a 35 watt Metal Halide with special etched outer glass envelope, the lighthouse was converted to solar power in 2002. The light is powered by a bank of batteries, which are charged by an array of 36 solar panels and 4 wind turbines. There is also a generator on site to provide back up power for charging the batteries and to power day mess facilities. The light is automatically operated, when daylight falls and rises between set levels, a light sensor switches the light on and off. The light is monitored from the Northern Lighthouse Board’s headquarters in Edinburgh. Maintenance is carried out once a year when Northern Lighthouse Board technicians visit the light.