Rua Reidh Lighthouse facts for kids
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| Rua Reidh Lighthouse | |
 Rua Reidh Lighthouse
Rubha Reidh Rubh' Re Location in Scotland
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| Location | Melvaig Gairloch Wester Ross Scotland |
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| Coordinates | 57°51′31.8″N 05°48′42.3″W / 57.858833°N 5.811750°W |
| Year first constructed | 1912 |
| Automated | 1986 |
| Construction | masonry tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern attached to a 2-storey keeper's house |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, black lantern, ochre trim |
| Height | 25 metres (82 ft) |
| Focal height | 37 metres (121 ft) |
| Intensity | 520,000 candela |
| Range | 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (4) W 15s. |
| Fog signal | deactivated in 1980 |
| Admiralty number | A3900 |
| NGA number | 3640 |
| ARLHS number | SCO-191 |
Rua Reidh Lighthouse is a tall, important building that helps ships find their way. It stands near the entrance to Loch Ewe in Wester Ross, a beautiful part of Scotland. This lighthouse makes sure boats can safely navigate the tricky coastline.
Contents
The Story of Rua Reidh Lighthouse
The name "Rua Reidh" comes from an old Scottish name, "Rubha Rèidh." This means "flat headland," which describes the land where the lighthouse stands.
Building the Lighthouse
The idea for a lighthouse here came from an engineer named David Stevenson in 1853. Many years later, his son, David Alan Stevenson, started building it in 1908. The lighthouse first shone its light on January 15, 1912.
When it first opened, the light came from a paraffin lamp. Later, it was changed to use electricity. The special original lens, called a Fresnel lens, is now on display. You can see it at the nearby Gairloch Heritage Museum.
Fog Signals and Changes
The lighthouse also used to have a loud fog siren. This siren would make four blasts every 90 seconds to warn ships in foggy weather. However, all fog sirens in Scotland were stopped in 1980.
The red siren trumpet and its timing parts were taken out. They were given to the Gairloch heritage center for people to see. Part of the siren's tower and engine room were taken down. Only the first floor of the tower and the front of the engine room remain.
Getting Supplies to the Lighthouse
For many years, the only way to get supplies to the lighthouse was by sea. There was a special quay (a kind of dock) and a ramp to unload goods at high tide. Paraffin fuel was pumped from the quay, and other items were moved on a small trolley with rails.
In 1962, a new road was built from Gairloch. This made it much easier to bring supplies to the lighthouse. The first person to drive on this new road was Iain Bain.
Road Access Today
In recent years, there have been some discussions about who can use the road to the lighthouse. The local council believes that everyone has a right to use this road. They are working to make sure the road remains open for public access.
Lighthouse Buildings and What They Are Now
The Rua Reidh Lighthouse became automatic in 1986. This means it no longer needed people living there to operate it. Because of this, the homes next to the lighthouse were sold to private owners.
Since 2004, the lighthouse has been a "category B listed building." This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected. Some of the smaller buildings around the lighthouse are now used as places for tourists to stay. You can find Bed and breakfast rooms or self-catering holiday homes there.
Amazing Wildlife Around the Lighthouse
The sea around Rua Reidh Point is full of interesting creatures. You might spot large basking sharks swimming in the water. Atlantic seals also live here.
The steep cliffs near the lighthouse are home to many birds. You can see fulmars, European shags, and kittiwakes building their nests there. It's a great place to watch nature!
