East Vows Lighthouse

Built in 1847, the East Vows lighthouse is a cylindrical iron tower standing 12.5 meters tall. It is situated on a skerry about 2 kilometers west-southwest of Elie Ness, off the Earlsferry golf links. The hexagonal skeletal tower is topped by a round cage structure, designed as a potential refuge for shipwrecked sailors awaiting rescue. This distinctive feature provided a humanitarian purpose beyond its navigational function. The lighthouse shares a design lineage with the Halliman Skerries beacon from 1845. It now serves as an inactive daybeacon, marking its skerry.

Why it matters: The East Vows beacon is notable for its integrated refuge cage, a rare architectural feature providing shelter for shipwrecked mariners, highlighting a proactive approach to maritime safety. It also serves as a visual landmark for local mariners and visitors to the Fife coast.