St. Abbs Lighthouse

St. Abbs Lighthouse is a white cylindrical tower standing on a clifftop on Scotland's coast with a pyramidal lantern chamber at its top. The structure rises approximately 78 m (255 ft) above sea level and operates entirely by automation today.

Construction was commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1862 following the shipwreck of the Martello on Carr Rocks. The lighthouse then became a vital navigation aid for vessels traveling past this hazardous section of coast.

The lighthouse was designed by brothers Thomas and David Stevenson, relatives of author Robert Louis Stevenson. Today it functions as a protected Category B listed structure that represents Scotland's maritime heritage.

Access is via a walking path through a nature reserve with coastal cliffs and sea views. It is advisable to wear weather-resistant clothing and be prepared for uneven terrain and strong winds.

It was the site of a notable technical advance in 1876 when Scotland's first siren fog signal system using hot air engines was installed here. This device warned ships during fog and rough conditions until it was eventually replaced by other technologies decades later.

Location: Scottish Borders

Location: Coldingham

Inception: 1862

Height: 9 m

GPS coordinates: 55.91619,-2.13882

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06