St Abb's Head Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | St. Abb's Head Berwickshire Scotland United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 55°54′57.9″N 2°08′19.0″W / 55.916083°N 2.138611°W |
| Year first constructed | 1862 |
| Automated | 1993 |
| Construction | masonry building |
| Tower shape | lantern on the roof of a 1-storey service building |
| Markings / pattern | white building, black lantern |
| Height | 9 metres (30 ft) |
| Focal height | 68 metres (223 ft) |
| Intensity | 3,000,000 candela |
| Range | 26 nautical miles (48 km; 30 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 10s. |
St Abb's Head Lighthouse stands on the cliffs at the rocky promontory of St Abb's Head. This is a headland near the village of St Abbs in Berwickshire, Scotland.
Contents
Building the Lighthouse
Before the lighthouse was built, a signal station was already on these cliffs. This station was set up before 1820. It was used by two groups: Trinity House and Her Majesty's Coastguard.
In 1857, a ship called the Martello sank on Carr Rock. After this accident, the Northern Lighthouse Board decided a new lighthouse was needed at St Abb's Head.
Who Designed It?
The lighthouse was designed and built by two brothers, David Stevenson and Thomas Stevenson. They were famous engineers.
The lighthouse helped ships find their way. It was especially useful when the lights from Bell Rock and Isle of May lighthouses could no longer be seen.
How the Light Changed Over Time
The light at St Abb's Head started working on February 24, 1862.
- At first, it used oil to make its light.
- In 1906, it was changed to use brighter, incandescent power.
- Then, in 1966, it was updated to use electricity.
- Finally, in 1993, the lighthouse became automated. This means it could run by itself without people.
Life as a Lighthouse Keeper
Before the lighthouse became automated, three people worked there full-time. They were called lighthouse keepers. Their jobs included keeping detailed records of the weather.
The Foghorn at St Abb's Head
A foghorn was added to St Abb's Head in 1876. This was the very first sound signal for fog in all of Scotland.
- The first foghorn used hot air engines to make its sound.
- In 1911, these were replaced with engines that ran on oil.
- Later, in December 1955, the foghorn was updated again to use diesel engines.
The fog signal was stopped in 1987. However, the large horn is still there today. You can reach it by following a path with a rail from the lighthouse.
Visiting the Lighthouse
There is a two-kilometer long, single-track road that leads to the lighthouse from the main road near St Abbs village. The National Trust for Scotland suggests that only visitors with disabilities use this road. Parking is also very limited.
Most visitors walk to the Head. The lighthouse buildings are still in good condition, but they are not open to the public.
See also
- List of lighthouses in Scotland
- List of Northern Lighthouse Board lighthouses
