Pentland Skerries Lighthouse

Pentland Skerries Lighthouse is located on Muckle Skerry, the largest and westernmost of the Pentland Skerries islands. 

The Pentland Firth poses major hazards to vessels, so the other option is to pass around Orkney. The Pentland Skerries lie at the entrance to the Firth. 

Pentland Skerries Lighthouse, designed by Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson, was first lit in 1794. It was Stevenson’s first commission for the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Two lighthouse towers were built 60 feet apart. The High Light was 80 feet high, and the Low Light was 60 feet high.

The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1821 and again in 1830, and in 1870, experiments using paraffin were carried out.

In 1871, the Assistant Keeper, Donald Montgomery rescued a boy on the island’s eastern side.  He was later awarded a Royal Humane Society bronze medal.

In 1884, the four keepers at Pentland Skerries Lighthouse rescued twelve crew members from the Vicksburg of Leith. The vessel ran aground, and nine more men perished.

The two lights operated initially as fixed lights, and in 1895, group flashing lights were installed. 

Periods of relief were often delayed due to bad weather, but in 1929, the Principal Keeper was taken ill.  It would be twelve days before a boat could land and come to his aid.  His two young assistants kept the light and foghorn working during this time.

Pentland Skerries Lighthouse was a family station until the 1950s when the families moved to Stromness Shore Station. They lived there until 1994 when the lighthouse was automated.

On 22nd February 1941, the lighthouse buildings were targeted by enemy fire.  Fortunately, there was little damage, and no one was injured.

In 1965, two keepers rescued 50 crew members and passengers from the vessel Kathe Neiderkirchner, which ran aground in thick fog.  They climbed down the cliff and boarded the ship’s lifeboat, guiding the boat to safety.

The lighthouse was converted to electricity in 1939 using three diesel generators.

Until 1972, reliefs were carried out by boat.  However, helicopter reliefs were introduced after this time, making reliefs much more predictable.  NLV Fingal continued to deliver stores, fuel and water.

In South Walls, Orkney, at Kirk Hope Cemetery, is a memorial dedicated to the eight crew of the Longhope Lifeboat.  In 1969, they lost their lives during a rescue.  On 17th March, the steamer Irene was drifting out of control for three days.  The lifeboat was later found floating upside down.

The lighthouse was automated in 1994 and is listed as a building of Architectural and Historical Interest.