Lighthouses of Islay

Seven lighthouses around Islay mark the island’s Atlantic coast, Loch Indaal, Port Ellen, and the approaches to the Sounds of Islay and Jura. Established between 1825 and 1928, all seven remain active aids to navigation.

The oldest is the Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse, designed by Robert Stevenson and established on the island of Orsay in 1825. Its 29-metre (95-foot) tower displays a white flash every five seconds. At Port Ellen, the square Carraig Fhada lighthouse was erected in 1832 by Walter Frederick Campbell in memory of his first wife, Lady Eleanor Charteris. Its white, red, and green sectors flash every three seconds.

Ruvaal Lighthouse was established at Islay’s northern end in 1859, followed by McArthur’s Head in 1861 at the entrance to the Sound of Islay. Both were designed by David and Thomas Stevenson. The same engineers designed Loch Indaal Lighthouse, built near Port Charlotte in 1869. Eilean a’ Chùirn, established in 1907, and Carragh Mhor, established in 1928, complete Islay’s seven-light network.