Barra Head Lighthouse

Barra Head Lighthouse is a white circular stone tower standing 18 meters high, positioned atop steep cliffs that rise 190 meters from the sea. The tower forms a striking feature in this rugged coastal landscape of the Outer Hebrides.

The structure was designed by Robert Stevenson and completed in 1833 to guide vessels through treacherous waters. It has served as a vital navigation point for shipping along this western coast ever since.

The cemetery on the lighthouse grounds holds memorial stones for children of lighthouse keepers who lived in this remote place. These graves tell the story of families who worked here across generations.

The lighthouse operates automatically today and requires no permanent resident on site. Its remote location means that access is only possible in favorable weather conditions.

The lighthouse stands at the highest position among all lighthouses in the United Kingdom, overlooking hundreds of kilometers of sea from there. This elevation makes it one of the farthest-reaching navigation aids along the British west coast.

Location: Outer Hebrides

Location: Barra

Inception: 1833

Height: 18 m

GPS coordinates: 56.78540,-7.65355

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:07