The picturesque village of North Queensferry in Scotland is home to the smallest working lighthouse in the world – the North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower. Built in 1817 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the author of Treasure Island, this lighthouse played a key role in ensuring the safety of shipping through the narrow isthmus of the Firth of Forth. Thanks to careful restoration, the lighthouse was reopened in 2010 and is now open to the public as part of the Forth Bridges Lighthouse Museum.
History
The lighthouseis just 5 metres high and 1.2 metres wide, making it the smallest working lighthouse in the world. It was designed by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the author of Treasure Island, and built in 1817 from stone in a hexagonal shape, transitioning to an octagonal light chamber with a copper dome.
For decades, its unique mechanism steered ships safely through the rough waters of the Firth of Forth, forming a key part of maritime navigation at the time. Although the ferry service ceased operations in the 1960s, the lighthouse has not lost its historical value. Thanks to a careful restoration which led to the reopening of the structure in 2010, today it is once again a reminder of the rich history of Scotland’s maritime heritage.
Museum
The lighthouse now operates as a museum, which is considered to be the smallest museum in Scotland. The facility showcases exhibits relating to the history of the lighthouse itself, the Town Pier harbour and the wider context of the region’s maritime tradition. Today, the lighthouse is not only a monument to technical heritage, but also a living part of local culture that reminds us of the turbulent past of maritime transport.
Inside the lighthouse there are 24 stairs leading up to the light chamber, which is so cramped that only one person can fit inside. The interior has been restored, preserving the historic character. Visitors can learn about the history of the lighthouse, its construction and how the signalling system works. In addition, there is an opportunity to receive the title of Honorary Keeper of the Light, simply by lighting the lamp to receive a symbolic certificate confirming the title.
source: Forth Bridges Lighthouse Museum
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The first photo was taken in 2009, before the building was renovated:
