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Duncansby Head Lighthouse was built in 1924 . It was automated last year. The station is located on the North East corner of Scotland near John O' Groats and overlooks the Pentland Skerries. The Skerries are caused as the waters of the wide Atlantic flow into the North Sea and ebb in the opposite direction, they set into motion a welter of eddies, races, overfalls,and in the neighbourhood of this lighthouse they run at a speed of ten knots. So dramatic are the effects each of the tide races has been given a name. One of these near the lighthouse is Duncansby Bore and is fascinating to watch. Because of the danger for ships in this area you can see six operating lighthouse from Duncansby car park.

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.