Dennis Head Old Beacon

Dennis Head Old Beacon is a lighthouse on North Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, featuring a cylindrical stone tower topped with a ball finial. The structure stands about 21 meters tall, and nearby keeper houses have lost their roofs and show signs of abandonment.

Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson built the lighthouse in 1789 as one of the first navigation aids on the Scottish islands. The beacon operated for many years before eventually being abandoned and replaced by other markers.

The tower shows early Scottish maritime engineering with its copper reflectors and oil lamps that once guided ships through northern waters. Visitors can still see traces of this practical solution that was critical for navigation in these difficult seas.

The exterior of the tower can be visited, but the internal staircase has collapsed so climbing is not possible. Access to the site is available, though visitors should be careful as the surrounding buildings are in poor condition.

The lighthouse location unexpectedly led to more shipwrecks as vessels sailed closer to land and hit hidden rocks. This surprising problem prompted authorities to build additional navigation markers throughout the area.

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: December 14, 2025 14:44