Hyskeir Lighthouse facts for kids
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| Hyskeir Light, May 2005 | |
 Hyskeir Lighthouse
Òigh Sgeir Location in Highland
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| Location | Hyskeir Isle |
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| Coordinates | 56°58′09.7″N 6°40′49.6″W / 56.969361°N 6.680444°W |
| Year first constructed | 1904 |
| Automated | 1997 |
| Construction | masonry tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern attached to 1-storey keeper's house |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, black lantern, ochre trim |
| Height | 39 metres (128 ft) |
| Focal height | 41 metres (135 ft) |
| Range | 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (3) W 30s. |
| Admiralty number | A4076 |
| NGA number | 3992 |
| ARLHS number | SCO-106 |
Hyskeir Lighthouse is a tall, white tower that helps ships navigate safely around the Scottish islands. It was built a long time ago, in 1904, to warn sailors about dangerous rocks and islands. These include the Mills Rocks, Canna, and Hyskeir itself. Think of it like a giant, helpful flashlight guiding ships through the dark waters!
About Hyskeir Lighthouse
This lighthouse stands on Hyskeir Isle, a small island off the coast of Scotland. It is 39 meters (about 128 feet) tall. That's like a 13-story building! The light from the top can be seen up to 24 nautical miles away. This long distance helps ships stay safe far out at sea.
Who Built It?
Hyskeir Lighthouse was designed by two famous engineers, David and Charles Stevenson. They came from a family well-known for building lighthouses in Scotland. The actual building work was done by a company called Messrs D & J MacDougall from Oban.
Life at the Lighthouse
For many years, people called "keepers" lived and worked at Hyskeir Lighthouse. They made sure the light was always shining. The white tower was manned until March 1997. It was one of the very last lighthouses in Scotland to become automated. This means machines took over the job of the keepers.
The keepers at Hyskeir were once famous for their unique one-hole golf course. They even appeared on television!
How It Works Today
Today, the Northern Lighthouse Board in Edinburgh controls Hyskeir Lighthouse. It sends out three white flashes every thirty seconds. This special pattern helps ships identify the lighthouse.
Hyskeir and its lighthouse are important in a book called Stargazing: Memoirs of a Young Lighthouse Keeper. It was written by Peter Hill.
