Boyd's Automatic tide signalling apparatus

Boyd's Automatic Tide Signalling Apparatus is a brick signal tower in Irvine Harbour that informed ships about water levels. The tower, roughly 50 feet tall, worked with a floating chamber that displayed tidal heights through lights and balls.

Martin Boyd, the harbor master, designed and patented this construction in 1905, and it entered service in 1906. During World War II, it served as an observation post and enabled reports on movements in the airspace.

The structure shows how important safe navigation was to coastal communities in the early twentieth century and reflects the trust sailors placed in technical solutions. Visitors can still see today how practical this solution was designed and how it shaped daily life in the harbor.

The tower sits right on the harbor and is visible and easy to reach from the street. It makes sense to come with suitable footwear, as the harbor area can be uneven and sometimes damp.

The tower was not only important for ships but was also used by air watchers during the war to monitor aircraft. This dual use shows how places took on new tasks in times of crisis.

Location: North Ayrshire

Location: Irvine

Inception: 1906

GPS coordinates: 55.60570,-4.69407

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:08