McArthur’s Head

McArthur’s Head lighthouse is situated at the entrance to the Sound of Islay on a high cliff.

History

McArthur’s Head lighthouse is situated on a promontory at the entrance to the Sound of Islay, on a high cliff, at an elevation of 39 metres. The lighthouse is one of  seven lighthouses on Islay and was established in 1861. It was built by David and Thomas Stevenson, members of the Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers, responsible for building most of Scotland’s lighthouses. The height of the tower is 13 metres and it flashes every 10 seconds. The lighthouse was automated in 1969.  In 2005 it was converted to a solar powered electric lamp.

Details

Year Established

1861

Engineer

David & Thomas Stevenson

Position

Latitude   55°45.831'N
Longitude 006°02.865'W

Character

Flashing white/red every 10 seconds

Elevation

39 metres

Range

13 nautical miles

Structure

White tower with lantern painted black.
Height of Tower 13 meters.

Public Access

No

See more NLB Lighthouses