Dennis Head Old Beacon

The cylindrical stone tower rises 21 meters above the northern shore, featuring a distinctive ball finial that replaced its original beacon chamber.

Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson completed the lighthouse construction in 1789, marking the first of numerous island beacons across Scotland.

The structure represents early Scottish maritime engineering, with its copper reflectors and oil-burning lamps guiding ships through northern waters until 1809.

While the lighthouse tower remains solid, the keeper houses lack roofs, and visitors should note the collapsed internal staircase during exterior observations.

The lighthouse location led to increased shipwrecks as vessels sailed closer to land, prompting the construction of additional navigation beacons nearby.

Location: Orkney Islands

Location: Cross and Burness

Inception: 1789

Architects: Thomas Smith, Robert Stevenson

Height: 21 m

Part of: Dennis Head Beacon

GPS coordinates: 59.38430,-2.37136

Latest update: March 6, 2025 12:20