Maps

Originally this lighthouse was called the North Unst Lighthouse, it was renamed to it's current name in 1964. This is the northern most light in Scotland.

Photo by Keane Beamish

During the Crimean War the government urged the commissioners of the Northern Lighthouse Board to set up a light on this rock to protect Her Majesty's ships. A temporary lighthouse 50ft high and 200ft above sea level was made and it was brought into operation in 1854. It was thought to be high and safe enough, but when winter storms began, waves broke heavily on the tower and burst open the door to the living quarters. The principal keeper reported that 40ft of stone dyke had broken down, and they had no dry place to sit or sleep. Plans were made for a higher and more permanent lighthouse, but there were still disagreements about where to locate it, Muckle Flugga or Lamba Ness. The orders to start the work on the new Muckle Flugga tower were finally given in 1855.

It was designed and built by Robert Louis Stevenson's father and uncle, Thomas and David Stevenson, in 1854, and as a result Unst became Robert's inspiration for the map of his well known book Treasure Island.

It is one of the few lighthouses in Scotland which had a separate shore station that served as accommodation for the keepers when they were off duty. When the lighthouse was automated it was sold off and is now divided into 4 flats, 3 private dwellings and the Hermaness Visitor Centre at the entrance to the Hermaness Nature Reserve. The rest of the land inside the stone walls is owned by a charter boat tour company that operates tours around the island.

The metal steps to the left are the current way up to the lighthouse, just to the right
you can see the older steps carved from the rock.

Photo by Mike Pennington

A view from the other side  Photo by Mike Pennington

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By: Tracey Park	Section:  Lighthouses Section	Key:
Page Ref: Muckle_Flugga	Topic: Lighthouses	Last Updated: 06/2010

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