The New Lighthouse

North Ronaldsay Lighthouse is the tallest land-based light in the British Isles. It stands at the north of the isle, close to the Old Beacon.

The last lighthouse family in the UK inhabited the building until its automation in 1997 (check date). Prior to automisation, the mechanism for revolving the light required winding up six times a day and the dozens of prisms and reflectors needed cleaning to keep them sparkling and dust-free.

The stripes were added in (check date) to make the tower more visible.

The lighthouse also includes a group of buildings which the North Ronaldsay Trust plan to develop into tourist accommodation and workshops for local industry. The old engine room now houses a woollen mill to process sheep fleeces, with the keeper’s cottages set to become the ultimate in ‘get away from it all’ self catering accommodation.

Already established is the A Yarn from North Ronaldsay workshop and shop, producing quality clothes and furnishings from the North Ronaldsay sheep’s wool.

North Ronaldsay is the only lighthouse in Orkney with guided tours for visitors through the Trust’s partnership with the Northern Lighthouse Board. To arrange a tour, contact Billy Muir, on 01857 633257.

Posted at 11:13 AM