Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
Perched high on top of the cliffs of Scotland’s most southerly point, this lighthouse was designed by Robert Stevenson.
Mull of Galloway Lighthouse stands 26 metres high and began operating in 1830. Today its lamp flashes away every 20 seconds and on a clear night, can be seen for some 28 miles distance.
In the former engine room the lighthouses fascinating exhibition provides an insight into the working practices of the lighthouse keepers, with information on how the light used to operate before it was electrified in 1971. The original three Kelvin Diesel 44 HP fog horn engines are on display in the engine room, along with a DVD presentation explaining how the engines used to operate.
Surrounding the lighthouse, the Mull of Galloway is flanked by 85 metre high cliffs, which show almost vertical layering of greywacke rocks, sculpted over millions of years by ice, rain, sea and wind. These cliffs are home to the region’s largest seabird colony where guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, shags and a handful of puffins make this their home for the summer, bringing life to the barren rock face. Above peregrine falcons patrol the sky while gannets and Manx shearwaters pass by out at sea.
Opening Hours
The lighthouse tower continues t be open on a restricted basis. It is open
every weekend from Easter to the last weekend in October, every bank holiday
and additional opening of every Monday in July and August. The opening
hours are 10am to 4.00pm with the last admission to the tower being 3.30pm.
At the top of the tower is a guide to provide both help and assistance and
answer any questions. Those with health and mobility problems are advised
not to attempt the climb. Staff at the exhibition are on hand to offer
advice. A small admission charge is made.
Contact
Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
South Rhins Community Development
Stoneykirk Community Hall, Stoneykirk
Drummore
Dumfries & Galloway
DG9 9JH
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1776) 840539
E-Mail: srcdt@tiscali.co.uk
