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The Great Britain Guide

Lighthouses · Central Scotland

Isle of May Lighthouse

In or near Pittenweem.

GeorgianNorthern Lighthouse BoardFree admission4.8 · 5 Google reviews

Isle of May Lighthouse — lighthouse in Fife, Scotland, UK.

Isle of May Lighthouse, lighthouses in Central Scotland

Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence

Plan your visit

Typical visit
30 min–1 h
  • Free entry
  • Family-friendly
  • Dog-friendly

About

Isle of May Lighthouse is a working or historic lighthouse on the United Kingdom coast. Records date its origin to 1816. Constructed primarily of stone. Heritage designation: category B listed building. Managed by Northern Lighthouse Board. Wikidata describes it as: "lighthouse in Fife, Scotland, UK". Coordinates: 56.1856°, -2.5574°.

Photo gallery

Heritage listing

Category B Date Added 01/03/1984 Supplementary Information Updated 26/04/2016 Local Authority Fife Planning Authority Fife Parish Anstruther Wester NGR NT 65500 99364 Coordinates 365500, 699364 — Robert Stevenson, 1815-16. Square, 3-stage castellated tower forms centrepiece of substantial, symmetrical 2-storey and basement residential block; picturesque, castle-style with Tudor Gothic detail. West front and tower ashlar, remaining elevations whin rubble with ashlar dressings, long and short to side elevations, flat roofs. All elevations, 3-bay, outer advanced bays of side elevations wrap round front and rear elevations to form narrow mock turret details with tall, blind hood-moulded openings. Every bay with paired Tudor arched windows setin square architraves, some hood-moulded, some blind. Descent down central well of circular stair. Cast iron staging, tongue and grooved panelling. Interior: Circular stair in tower with teardrop cast iron balusters and walls plastered and lined as ashlar. First floor Commissioner s Board Room has a large black marble chimneypiece with iron grate flanked by caryatid figures, back plate depicting the Birth of Aphrodite, and a fireguard with lyre motif. Pointed-headed entrance at base of tower with panelled door,set-offs to each stage and each stage with pointed windows with Y tracery to each face. Corbelled parapets throughout, those to the residential block incorporate the flues. Substantial storage block extends from centre of rear elevation with castellated turrets and square battered pylon blocks set into slope of land. Lantern, 1924 by David A Stevenson. Lattice frame to lantern; light suspended on mercury tank with French louvred crystals and lenses; rotation by clockwork mechanism, weights. — Minor text update to description (non-

From Historic Environment Scotland under OGL v3.

Official information

The Isle of May National Nature Reserve is a vital habitat for seabirds and seals, offering visitors the chance to witness a variety of wildlife, including puffins and grey seals. The island features scenic cliff-top paths and a rich history, making it an intriguing destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Place summary

Isle of May Lighthouse is a Georgian lighthouse located in central Scotland, established in 1816. It is a Category B listed building and is operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board.

AI-generated from the structured facts on this page (operator, designation, listing, era). Not a substitute for visiting.

Coordinates
56.1856, -2.5574
Phone
01738 458800
Established
1816
Official site
www.nature.scot

Sources

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Isle of May Lighthouse?
Isle of May Lighthouse is in central Scotland, United Kingdom.
What is Isle of May Lighthouse?
Isle of May Lighthouse — lighthouse in Fife, Scotland, UK.
How do I get to Isle of May Lighthouse?
Its coordinates are 56.1856°, -2.5574°.
When was Isle of May Lighthouse built?
Built or established in 1816.
Who runs Isle of May Lighthouse?
Isle of May Lighthouse is operated by Northern Lighthouse Board.
Is Isle of May Lighthouse a listed building?
Isle of May Lighthouse is officially recognised as category B listed building listed.
Is Isle of May Lighthouse free to visit?
Yes, Isle of May Lighthouse is free to enter.