Automated 1985 Light source mains power Opened 1900 Focal height 55 m Year first constructed 1900 | Construction masonry tower Height 21 m Range 46,300 m NGA number 3824 | |
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Location Tiumpan Head
Isle of Lewis
Outer Hebrides
Scotland Tower shape cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern Markings / pattern white tower, black lantern, ochre trim Similar Ushenish Lighthouse, Barra Head Lighthouse, Ailsa Craig Lighthouse, Hyskeir Lighthouse, Cantick Head Lighthouse | ||
Tiumpan head lighthouse
The Tiumpan Head Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located in Tiumpan Head, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
Contents
Portvoller and tiumpan head lighthouse on suzuki marauder 26 5 2013
History
The idea for the Tiumpan Head Lighthouse in the village of Portvoller in Point, Isle of Lewis was long promoted, but refused for many years by the Board of Trade. After a recommendation by the Western Highlands and Islands Commission to additionally keep a watch on illegal trawlers, it was approved in May 1879.
The lighthouse and building were designed by David and Charles Stevenson and built by John Aitken, at an estimated cost of £9000. William Frew was appointed as inspector of works. Chance Brothers made the optics and Dove and Co. the revolving machine. The light was first exhibited on 1 December 1900.
Six lightkeepers were attached to the station, three lightkeepers and their families at the station, with a local assistant and two occasional lightkeepers coming in from Portnaguran village nearby.
Elizabeth II visited the lighthouse in 1956, with the young Duke of Cornwall and the Princess Anne. The seven-year-old heir to the throne sounded the first blast on a new fog siren. The fog signal was operated by compressed air supplied from a compressor, driven by a Kelvin Diesel engine. There were three Kelvin engines and compressors, and when the fog signal was in operation, two of them were in service to maintain the required air pressure with one standby, in rotation. In 1984, the fog signal was discontinued and the fog horn building was demolished.
The lighthouse was automated in 1985 and is monitored from Edinburgh. The former keepers' accommodation is no longer needed and is now home to kennels and a cattery.