The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse is situated on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. It was engineered by David Stevenson in 1862. The station’s claim to fame, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is that it is the windiest spot in the UK.
History
1862: The lighthouse was constructed under the supervision of David Stevenson. Little is known of the station’s early days, though it is likely that the light was originally fixed, rather than flashing.
1869: The vegetable or fish oil formerly used as the light source was replaced with paraffin.
1905: The equipment currently in use was installed during this year, as is indicated by a plaque in the lightroom. At the time, the character of the light was one flash every twenty seconds.
1930s: The station was the radio link for the Keepers on the isolated Flannan Islands during this time. The Butt of Lewis lighthouse was manned by three keepers, who lived at the station with their families.
1971: The light became automated and the station was de-manned.
1976: The lighthouse was upgraded to operate using an electric light source.
1995: The fog signal was discontinued on 31 March.
1998: The light was automated on 30 March. Today’s optic system is a Bi-Form setup, consisting of a pair of 2 Tier, high-powered LED marine lanterns flashing in synchronisation.
Mid-1990s – March 2022: The Butt of Lewis was one of the General Lighthouse Authorities’ transmitting stations for Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). Today, the site is the radio control station for the North Minch area.