Building record MAB23655 - GIRDLENESS LIGHTHOUSE
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Summary
Lighthouse built in 1833, designed by engineer Robert Stevenson, and constructed by John Gibb of Aberdeen.
Protected Status/Designation
- Listed Building (A) 20078
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NJ 9716 0534 (71m by 83m) Centred at - Polygon: Known Site Extent |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NJ90NE |
| Authority | Aberdeenshire City |
| Civil Parish | Aberdeen |
Type and Period (3)
Full Description
Lighthouse built in 1833, designed by engineer Robert Stevenson, and constructed by John Gibb of Aberdeen. The main light was altered in 1847 and 1890. In 1870 it was used for the trial installation of paraffin illumination (superseding sperm oil). A radar beacon was installed after 1968. It is a tapering tower with lanterns at two levels, rising from a semi-circular base. It is the only lighthouse in Scotland to have shown twin fixed lights, these spaced vertically 70 feet (21.3m) apart. The lower lantern was a 28-sided structure, glazed to the sea but infilled with cast-iron plates on the landward side: it had 13 lamps in a covered gallery 11m high. The cast-iron ladders that give access to the upper part of the lantern were embellished with processions of ascending and descending crocodiles. When first installed both lights were produced by Argand burners in the focus of 21inch parabolic reflectors, the upper lamp comprising 18 reflector lamps. In 1847 a dioptric lamp was installed and the original lantern transferred to Inchkeith Lighthouse. The lower light was removed in 1890 when a new principal lantern was installed. The light flashed twice every 20 seconds and had a nominal range of 22 miles. To the west of the lighthouse is a pair of keepers' cottages. The light is still operational, controlled automatically from Edinburgh. The fog siren was built circa 1880-90, and is southeast facing, built of cast iron, on a concrete block. It is powered by compressed air from an engine house to the north of the road. The OS 2nd edition map also shows a sundial east of the lighthouse.
Period Notes
Listed 12/01/1967.
Main light altered 1847 and 1890.
Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 14/10/83 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.
Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 20/12/1986 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.
ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL, , TORRY COASTAL TRAIL, Trail leaflet (Bibliographic reference). SAB8366.
Aug 19 1987 , AAS(A)/87/02/S2/1, AAS(A)/87/02/S2/1 (Air-oblique Photograph). SAB34059.
Mar 1 2011 , AAS/2011/2/DG3270, 3272, AAS/2011/2/DG3270, 3272 (Air-oblique Photograph). SAB37243.
Oct 3 1984 , DO 9, DO 9 (Ground Photograph). SAB34060.
Other Statuses/References
- Authority: ACY;
- HES Listed Building Number: 20078;
- NMR Card Number: NJ90NE8;
- NRHE Numlink: 19995;
- Old Historic Environment Record Ref: NJ90NE0006;
External Links (2)
- https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB20078 (Historic Environment Scotland Portal Link)
- https://www.trove.scot/place/19995 (trove.scot link)
Sources/Archives (6)
- --- SAB1416 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. . PRESS & JOURNAL. 20/12/1986.
- --- SAB1416 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. . PRESS & JOURNAL. 14/10/83.
- --- SAB34059 Air-oblique Photograph: Aug 19 1987 . AAS(A)/87/02/S2/1. Black & White. AAS(A)/87/02/S2/1.
- --- SAB34060 Ground Photograph: Oct 3 1984 . DO 9. Black & White. DO 9.
- --- SAB37243 Air-oblique Photograph: Mar 1 2011 . AAS/2011/2/DG3270, 3272. Digital. AAS/2011/2/DG3270, 3272.
- --- SAB8366 Bibliographic reference: ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL. . TORRY COASTAL TRAIL. Trail leaflet.
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Record last edited
Sep 12 2025 11:59AM
