First Lighthouse in Scotland Opened at Kinnaird Head, Fraserburgh

The first lighthouse in Scotland was established at Kinnaird Head in Fraserburgh.

This historic lighthouse was commissioned by the Commissioners of the Northern Lights, a Scottish organization responsible for the construction and maintenance of lighthouses.

Commissioning and Construction

The lighthouse at Kinnaird Head was commissioned in 1786.

Construction began in 1787 under the supervision of Thomas Smith, the first engineer to the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Operational Start

Kinnaird Head Lighthouse became operational on December 1, 1787.

It was one of the first four lighthouses established by the Commissioners of the Northern Lights, predating the creation of the famous Bell Rock Lighthouse.

Location

Kinnaird Head is situated at Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, on the northeastern coast of Scotland.

The lighthouse was built on the grounds of Kinnaird Castle, utilizing the existing structure.

Early Lighting Mechanism

The original lighting mechanism at Kinnaird Head used open coal fire, which was later replaced by an oil lamp and reflectors.

Transformation into a Museum

The lighthouse at Kinnaird Head went through various technological upgrades over the years.

In the 1990s, it was decommissioned as an operational lighthouse and transformed into the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses.

Today, Kinnaird Head Lighthouse stands as a historic site and museum, showcasing the evolution of lighthouse technology and providing insights into the maritime history of Scotland. The museum includes exhibits on the Northern Lighthouse Board’s work and the individuals involved in the development and maintenance of lighthouses in Scotland.