Covesea Lighthouse & Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Heritage Centre — Attraction in Scotland

THE COVESEA SKERRIES LIGHTHOUSE WAS COMPLETED IN 1846. IT WAS DESIGNED BY ALAN STEVENSON, A MEMBER OF THE FAMOUS 'LIGHTHOUSE STEVENSONS' FAMILY WHO OVER A PERIOD OF 150 YEARS BUILT MOST OF THE LIGHTHOUSES AROUND SCOTLAND’S COAST. IT WAS BUILT BY JAMES SMITH, A BUILDING CONTRACTOR FROM INVERNESS, AT A COST OF £11,514. THE LIGHTHOUSE STANDS 36 METRES HIGH AND ITS LIGHT HAD A RANGE OF 24 NAUTICAL MILES, FLASHING RED AND WHITE EVERY 20 SECONDS. THE LIGHTHOUSE COMPLEX INCLUDED THE TWO KEEPERS COTTAGES AND A WELL; ALONG WITH WORKSHOPS AND OFFICES ON THE LOWER GROUND. THE ORIGINAL 1845 FRESNEL LENS WAS BUILT IN THE PARISIAN WORKSHOP OF FRANCOIS SOLEIL. THE LIGHT WAS ROTATED BY A CLOCKWORK MECHANISM WITH GRADUALLY DESCENDING WEIGHTS PROVIDING THE ENERGY. THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER WINCHED THESE WEIGHTS UP EVERY DAY AND THE LIGHTHOUSE STILL HAS THE HOLLOW CENTRAL VOID WHICH HELD THESE WEIGHTS. COVESEA SKERRIES LIGHTHOUSE WAS AUTOMATED IN 1984 AND THE ORIGINAL LENS WAS REPLACED WITH AN ARRAY OF SEALED - BEAM BULBS, SIMILAR TO THOSE USED FOR CAR HEADLIGHTS. THE ORIGINAL FRESNEL LENS CAN NOW BE SEEN IN THE LOSSIEMOUTH FISHERY AND COMMUNITY MUSEUM, PITGAVENY QUAY, LOSSIEMOUTH. THE LIGHT WAS FINALLY EXTINGUISHED IN 2012 FOLLOWING 166 YEARS OF LOYAL SERVICE. THE LIGHTHOUSE IS A CATEGORY A LISTED BUILDING, DEEMED TO BE 'OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE'. IT IS NOW OWNED BY COVESEA LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY COMPANY WHO ARE PRESERVING THIS ICONIC BUILDING AS A HERITAGE AND EDUCATION CENTRE FOR ALL. THE LIGHTHOUSE HERE AT COVESEA SKERRIES IS ONE OF NEARLY 200 THAT ARE LOCATED ALL AROUND SCOTLAND’S WILD COASTLINE. OPERATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSE BOARD THEY WARN SHIPS OF DANGEROUS WATERS AND PROVIDE IMPORTANT NAVIGATIONAL...

The lighthouse itself does guided tours run by members of the local community. They are very knowledgeable and there is a talk before the 144 step climb to the top of the lighthouse. My hubby and daughter loved it and the pictures they took of the views are amazing.

We were staying (through the National Trust of Scotland) at Halliman Cottage underneath the lighthouse so had wonderful views of the lighthouse and surrounding area for a fantastic week. Our daughter loved being able to go down to the beach and it's very peaceful and relaxing - although you do get the roar of the jets from the RAF base when they go out during the week, they're fascinating to see. It's the 3rd time we've stayed there and definitely...

One of the many impressive lighthouses that sit on our coastline. This lighthouse was designed and engineered by Alan Stevenson in 1846. As with all lighthouses it has been automated and this lighthouse is now under local ownership.

On the 13th July 2024, I was delighted to get a tour of Covesea Lighthouse in Lossiemouth. I had emailed in the hope and then I got confirmation I could come. It is 144 steps to the top then another two ladders right to the top. What an amazing view. The two lady volunteers were really good and John gave a good history of the lighthouse. It was really special to get a tour and I will not forget the views, you feel very safe really high up. That is a testimony to how well...