Bass Rock Lighthouse facts for kids
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| Bass Rock Lighthouse | |
 Bass Rock Lighthouse
Location in Scotland
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| Location | Bass Rock Firth of Forth Scotland |
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| Coordinates | 56°04′33.89″N 2°38′26.41″W / 56.0760806°N 2.6406694°W |
| Year first constructed | 1902 |
| Automated | 1988 |
| Construction | stone tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern attached to 1-storey keeper's house |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, black lantern |
| Height | 20 metres (66 ft) |
| Focal height | 46 metres (151 ft) |
| Range | 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (3) W 20 s. |
| Admiralty number | A2864 |
| NGA number | 2344 |
| ARLHS number | SCO-018 |
The Bass Rock Lighthouse is a very important building on Bass Rock. This is a large, rocky island in the Firth of Forth in Scotland. The lighthouse is 20 meters (about 66 feet) tall. It helps ships find their way safely around the coast.
Contents
The Bass Rock Lighthouse: A Guiding Light
Lighthouses are like beacons of hope for sailors. They shine bright lights to warn ships of dangers. They also help guide them safely to port. The Bass Rock Lighthouse has been doing this for over 100 years. It stands on a famous island known for its many birds.
Building a Lighthouse on Bass Rock
The Bass Rock Lighthouse was built in 1902. A famous engineer named David Alan Stevenson designed it. He had to remove some old castle buildings to get the stone. These buildings included a 13th-century keep, or governor's house. The stone from these old structures was then used to build the new lighthouse.
The idea for this lighthouse came about in 1897. The Northern Lighthouse Board decided it was needed. They also planned another lighthouse at Barns Ness. Building the Bass Rock Lighthouse cost £8,087. This was a lot of money back then. The first light shone from the rock on November 1, 1902.
How the Light Works and Automation
For many years, people lived and worked at the lighthouse. They made sure the light was always shining. The light used to be powered by gas. This gas came from vaporized paraffin oil. It heated a special mantle to create a bright glow.
In 1988, the lighthouse became automated. This means no one lives there anymore. Machines now control the light. A new electric lamp is used today. It is a special 20-watt lamp that flashes three times every 20 seconds. The lighthouse is now watched remotely. This is done from the Northern Lighthouse Board's office in Edinburgh.
Who Manages the Lighthouse?
The Bass Rock Lighthouse is managed by the Northern Lighthouse Board. This group is in charge of all lighthouses in Scotland and the Isle of Man. Their job is to make sure all lights and navigation aids work correctly. They help keep ships safe in the waters around Scotland.
