Community / Sumburgh Head lighthouse turns 200
THE SUMBURGH Head lighthouse is celebrating a significant anniversary today (Friday).
It is now 200 years since it was lit for the first time.
It was designed by Robert Stevenson, and it is still a working lighthouse.
The A-listed building is now also part of a visitor attraction run by Shetland Amenity Trust following a £5.4 million refurbishment of the site. The centre opened in 2014.
The lighthouse is elevated 91 metres above sea level, with the light visible for up to 23 nautical miles and emits a flash every 30 seconds.
The light was fully automated in 1991 and a few years later the area – a fine viewpoint for birdlife, including puffins – was designated an RSPB nature reserve.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.