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Hawes Pier Lighthouse

F Red🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hawes Pier Lighthouse

A yellow, square skeletal tower constructed of wood stands 12 meters high on a square wooden pier. It was built in 1927, the same year it was first lit. The light, with a focal height of 5 meters, emits a continuous red signal. The station was originally established in 1877, with the current structure replacing an earlier one. It became inactive sometime after 1970 but has since been reactivated. The geographic range of the light is 8.4 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The continuous red light clearly marks the end of Hawes Pier for vessels navigating the Forth.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
F R
Focal Height
5m
Geographic Range
8.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1927

Significant events: station established 1877, current structure built 1927, became inactive sometime after 1970, subsequently reactivated

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
yellow
Material
wood

Structure: square skeletal tower mounted on a robust square wooden pier

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Sea Region
off the end of the Hawes Pier just west of the Forth Railroad Bridge
Latitude
55.9929°
Longitude
-3.3869°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hawes(0.1 km)
Admiralty No.
A2925.9
NGA No.
2412
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hawes Pier Lighthouse at night?+
Hawes Pier displays the characteristic F Red. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hawes Pier Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hawes Pier Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hawes at 0.1 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include QUEENSFERRY (0.4 NM W), South Queensferry (0.9 NM W), North Queensferry (1 NM NNW), Hound Point (1.2 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hawes Pier Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hawes Pier 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.
What shipping routes pass near Hawes Pier Lighthouse?+
Hawes Pier Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Hawes Pier Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hawes Pier 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.