Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
Encyclopedia
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse is a lighthouse
on Sumburgh Head
at the southern tip of the Mainland
of Shetland.
The lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson
in 1821. The light was automated in 1991 and the keepers' houses were converted into holiday accommodation. The lighthouse complex also has offices for the RSPB
who look after the bird reserve which surrounds the lighthouse.
The Northern Lighthouse Board
operate the light, whilst the Shetland Amenity Trust
own the site and plan to restore the lighthouse facilities and build a visitor centre. The lighthouse is protected as a category A listed building.
Lighthouse
A lighthouse is a tower, building, or other type of structure designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses or, in older times, from a fire, and used as an aid to navigation for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways....
on Sumburgh Head
Sumburgh Head
Sumburgh Head is located at the southern tip of the Shetland Mainland in northernScotland. The head is a 100 m high rocky spur capped by the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. The Old Norse name was Dunrøstar høfdi, it means "The Head onto the Thunderous Noise", referring to the noise of Sumburgh Roost...
at the southern tip of the Mainland
Shetland Mainland
The Mainland is the main island of Shetland, Scotland. The island contains Shetland's only burgh, Lerwick, and is the centre of Shetland's ferry and air connections....
of Shetland.
The lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson
Robert Stevenson (civil engineer)
Robert Stevenson FRSE MInstCE FSAS MWS FGS FRAS FSA was a Scottish civil engineer and famed designer and builder of lighthouses.One of his finest achievements was the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse.-Early life:...
in 1821. The light was automated in 1991 and the keepers' houses were converted into holiday accommodation. The lighthouse complex also has offices for the RSPB
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Bird Notes and News was first published in April 1903.The title changed to 'Bird Notes' in 1947. In the 1950s, there were four copies per year . Each volume covered two years, spread over three calendar years...
who look after the bird reserve which surrounds the lighthouse.
The Northern Lighthouse Board
Northern Lighthouse Board
The Northern Lighthouse Board is the General Lighthouse Authority for Scotland and the Isle of Man. It is a non-departmental public body responsible for marine navigation aids around coastal areas.-History:...
operate the light, whilst the Shetland Amenity Trust
Shetland Amenity Trust
The Shetland Amenity Trust is a charitable trust based in Shetland, Scotland. It was formed in 1983.Among the Trust's aims are to preserve and protect the architectural heritage of Shetland and it owns and operates many historical buildings...
own the site and plan to restore the lighthouse facilities and build a visitor centre. The lighthouse is protected as a category A listed building.