Ardnamurchan Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Lochaber Scotland |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 56°43′38″N 6°13′34″W / 56.7271°N 6.2260°W |
| Year first constructed | 1849 |
| Automated | 1988 |
| Construction | granite tower |
| Tower shape | Cylindrical Tower with balcony and lantern attached to 1-storey keeper's house |
| Markings / pattern | unpainted grey tower, black lantern |
| Height | 36 metres (118 ft) |
| Focal height | 55 metres (180 ft) |
| Range | 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (2) W 20s. |
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse is an amazing old lighthouse built in 1849. You can find it on Ardnamurchan Point in Lochaber, a beautiful part of Scotland. This lighthouse stands tall at about 36 meters (118 feet) and is made from pink granite.
It was designed by a famous engineer named Alan Stevenson. What makes it super special is that it's the only lighthouse in the United Kingdom built in the ancient Egyptian style! Imagine a lighthouse looking like something from ancient Egypt!
The lighthouse got electricity in 1976. Then, in 1988, it became "automated." This means machines took over the job of the lighthouse keepers. Now, the Northern Lighthouse Board in Edinburgh controls it from far away.
Contents
What is Ardnamurchan Lighthouse?
The Ardnamurchan Lighthouse is more than just a light for ships. The old homes where the lighthouse keepers used to live are now a cool visitor centre. It has a museum called the 'Kingdom of Light' (or Rioghachd na Sorcha in Scottish Gaelic).
Explore the Museum
At the museum, you can learn all about the lighthouse's history. You can also see how it works. You can even visit the restored engine room and workshop. There, you'll find the original foghorn! The museum also teaches you about the rocks and nature of the area. Plus, you can learn about the local people and their culture.
Modern Lighthouse Keeping
Even though the lighthouse is automated, a part-time light keeper still works there. This keeper helps look after Ardnamurchan Lighthouse. They also check on two other lighthouses nearby: Rubha nan Gall and Corran Point.
Modern lighthouses use LED lights, which are very energy-efficient. This means they need less looking after. The light at Ardnamurchan used to use only 48 watts of power. In 2019, it was made a bit brighter, using 72 watts.
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse in Pop Culture
This famous lighthouse has even appeared in entertainment!
Video Game Appearance
The very last part of the computer game Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened takes place inside this lighthouse. How cool is that?
TV Show Feature
In 2021, Ardnamurchan Lighthouse was shown on the British TV show Top Gear. The presenters had a race with three off-road vehicles. Their mission was to deliver and fit a new light bulb to the lighthouse!
Images for kids
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The old foghorn at Ardnamurchan Lighthouse.
See also
In Spanish: Faro de Ardnamurchan para niños
- List of lighthouses in Scotland
- List of Northern Lighthouse Board lighthouses
- List of Category A listed buildings in Highland
