It was the second lighthouse ever built in Scotland, surpassed in age only by the Isle of May lighthouse.
The original beacon was a simple coal brazier, which required a keeper to haul coal up the tower manually.
The lighthouse was designed to guide vessels navigating the treacherous, shifting sandbanks of the Solway Firth.
It is now a privately owned property and is not open for public tours inside the tower.
The lighthouse is a Category B listed building, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.
Southerness Lighthouse, constructed in 1749, stands as the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland and remains a prominent landmark on the Solway Firth coastline. Built by the Commissioners of the Northern Lighthouses, the structure originally featured a coal-fired beacon before transitioning to oil and later electricity. It was officially decommissioned in 1936 after over a century of service to maritime navigation. The tower is built of painted white stone and rises to a height of approximately 10 meters. It serves as a visual anchor for the Southerness village and the surrounding coastal nature reserves. The site provides unobstructed views across the Solway Firth toward the Lake District fells in England.
From the sandy beach at low tide, looking up at the tower with the Solway Firth in the background.
Visit during low tide to explore the expansive mudflats and rock pools surrounding the base of the lighthouse.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the adjacent coastline is a significant habitat for migratory waders.
Check local tide tables before your visit, as the Solway Firth is known for having some of the fastest-rising tides in the UK.
Do not attempt to enter the private residential grounds or climb the structure.
The exterior can be viewed at any time, but there is no interior access.
Respect the privacy of the lighthouse as it is a private residence; stay on public footpaths and the beach.
