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Foula Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 15s🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Foula Lighthouse

The Foula Lighthouse, built in 1986, stands at the southern tip of Foula, an island located about 40 kilometers west of Shetland Mainland. This cylindrical metal tower, standing 8 meters high with a focal height of 36 meters, emits three white flashes every 15 seconds. Its construction includes a lantern and gallery, and it utilizes a 4th order Fresnel lens. In 2000, the lighthouse was converted to solar power. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe passage around the remote island of Foula, guiding local shipping and fishing vessels navigating the waters west of the Shetland Mainland.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl(3) W 15s
Focal Height
36m
Light Range
18NM (33.3 km)
Geographic Range
16.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1986

Significant events: solarized in 2000

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
metal

Structure: round cylindrical metal tower with lantern and gallery; 4th order Fresnel lens

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Sea Region
Foula, an isolated island about 40 km west of Shetland Mainland, located at the south point of the island.
Latitude
60.1124°
Longitude
-2.0641°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ham Voe, Foula(1.6 km)
Admiralty No.
A3860
NGA No.
3562
ARLHS No.
SCO-085
Wikidata
Q28874338 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Foula Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 36 meters and a nominal range of 18 nautical miles (approximately 33.3 km), Foula is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Foula Lighthouse at night?+
Foula displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 15s — 3 white flashes every 15 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Foula Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Foula Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ham Voe, Foula at 1.4 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Walls Shetland (16.1 NM ENE), Walls (16.4 NM ENE), Sandness (16.7 NM NE), Housa Voe, Papa Stour (17.6 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Foula Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Foula Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Foula Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Foula Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.