Rubha Robhanais / Butt of Lewis lighthouse
In March 1998 the last manned lighthouse in the Western Isles went automatic. The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse was designed by David Stevenson, grandfather of the author Robert Louis Stevenson and engineer to the Northern Lighthouse Board. The cost of building the lighthouse came to around £4,900 and was built by John Carr & Co of Ardrossan. The lighthouse has been a prominent feature within the district of Ness since it was built in 1862, and over the years it has provided employment, has been a major tourist attraction and in many respects, was amongst the first in Ness to have modern conveniences like running water, telephone and electricity installed. (Criomagan Sept/Oct 1996).
The Lighthouse is also listed in the Guinness World Records as the windiest spot in Britain!
Credit Alex Thomson
Fun fact
In Gaelic, the lighthouse is known as called Rubha Robhanais; a name that is a triple tautology, comprising three different translations of the word “headland” in Gaelic, Pictish and Norse!
Lighthouse history
1862
The lighthouse was constructed under the supervision of David Stevenson. Little is known of the station’s early days, though it is likely that the light was originally fixed, rather than flashing.
1869
1905
The vegetable or fish oil formerly used as the light source was replaced with paraffin
The equipment currently in use was installed during this year, as is indicated by a plaque in the lightroom. At the time, the character of the light was one flash every twenty seconds.
1930s
The station was the radio link for the keepers on the isolated Flannan Islands during this time. The Butt of Lewis lighthouse was manned by three keepers, who lived at the station with their families.
1971
The light became automated and the station was de-manned.
1976
The lighthouse was upgraded to operate using an electric light source.
1995
1998
The fog signal was discontinued on 31 March.
The light was automated on 30 March. Today’s optic system is a Bi-Form setup, consisting of a pair of 2 tier, high-powered LED marine lanterns flashing in synchronisation.
Mid 1990s - March 2022
The Butt of Lewis was one of the General Lighthouse Authorities’ transmitting stations for Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). Today, the site is the radio control station for the North Minch area.
Credit Jonathan Macdonald
Want to learn more?
If you want to continue your research here are a few resources to explore more about the rich history and traditions of North Lewis.
First published in 1997, this long-awaited photographic book by Dan Morrison depicts the distinctive Hebridean crofting way of life. This book will be of interest not only to those with Hebridean roots but to all who value the strength of rural communities, customs and landscapes.
Eachdraidh le Càirdeas is Cridhe – Ainmean-àite Ceann a Tuath Leòdhais Nis Gu Baile an Truiseil
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (Ness Historical Society) created a rich archive of place-names, the information having been provided by over fifty contributors between 1966 and 2018, and this book is the result. The book is separated into all the villages in Ness in order to highlight the cultural and historical importance of place-names and is a record of the names as the people of the area say and spell them. The photographs of contributors inside display the vitality of sharing and culminating knowledge about place-names from Ness to Ballantrushal, in the northwest of the Isle of Lewis.
Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches is Scotland’s online resource dedicated to the presentation and promotion of audio recordings of Scotland’s cultural heritage. Its principal content is songs, music, history, poetry, traditions and stories, recorded from the 1930s onwards. The website contains material from three archives: The School of Scottish Studies, The Canna Collection and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and there are recordings in Gaelic, Scots and English, with many recordings from the Isle of Lewis. Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches’ principal aim is to ensure that Scotland’s rich oral heritage is safeguarded and made widely available for present and future generations.