Southerness Lighthouse

Southerness Lighthouse
©2011 Gazetteer for Scotland

One of the oldest lighthouses in Scotland, Southerness Lighthouse lies on Southerness Point, which extends into the Solway Firth 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Dalbeattie and 13 miles (21 km) south of Dumfries. Surrounded by the sea at high tide, this square structure was built as a marker in 1749 on the instructions of Dumfries Town Council who wished to ensure safe passage of ships entering the Nith Estuary. The lighthouse appears on Roy's map of 1753. It was heightened in 1795 and a light was added for the first time around 1800. The light was improved in 1815, most likely with the help of Robert Stevenson (1772 - 1850). The lighthouse was raised for a second time in 1843-44 taking on its current distinctive shape.

The light was extinguished in the mid-1930s and the lighthouse is now disused.

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