Strathy Point is the newest of the Northern Lighthouse Board's stations. It was the first all-electric station, with a major light and fog signal when it was built on the the north coast of Sutherland. The station was sanctioned in 1953 and lighted in 1958. The station buildings, designed by the board's engineer, P.H. Hysolop, are laid out in a hollow square with covered passageways, giving protection from the high winds on this exposed headland. The traditional round tower has been abandoned (curved walls require interior fittings made to match), and even the 35 fool concrete lantern tower is square, as were the buildings at Esha Ness and Duncansby Head, and even earlier at Pillar Rock in Arran.

Strathy Point filled one of the last important blanks on the Scottish coast between Dunnet Head and Cape Wrath. It was first proposed in 1900 but Trinity House then refused approval and the Board of Trade concurred on appeal. The ship owners thought an additional light was required in the area, where a temporary light has been shown during the second World War so the station was finally built.

The station was automated this year and the last keeper left March 31, 1997

An exciting book about 31 of the best scottish lighthouses explained in insightful text and magnificent colour photographs is available here.

If you would like to know what it is like to buy a Scottish lighthouse then check out The Last Lighthouse.

You can find more articles in the archive under Lighthouse Beacons From Scotland.

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