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Hestan Island Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hestan Island Lighthouse

A white, cylindrical skeletal tower, 7 meters high, stands on the east side of Hestan Island. This structure, built in 1996, replaced an earlier light established in 1893 that was housed in a white storehouse. An unconfirmed lighthouse by Alan Stevenson may have existed on the site in 1850. The tower displays a white light with one flash every 10 seconds, visible for 17.4 nautical miles. The island, located at the mouth of Auchencairn Bay, is accessible at low tide via an 800-meter gravel bar. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is a navigational aid for vessels entering Auchencairn Bay. Its square cylindrical skeletal design, featuring vertically slatted white daymark panels, provides a visual reference point.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
42m
Light Range
9NM (16.7 km)
Geographic Range
17.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1996
First Lit
1893

Significant events: 1893 light on white store house, unconfirmed 1850 lighthouse by Alan Stevenson

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white

Structure: square cylindrical skeletal tower, enclosed by vertically slatted white daymark panels

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Sea Region
small island in the mouth of Auchencairn Bay, about 20 km west of Southerness. The island is accessible at low tide by a gravel bar about 800 m long. Located on heights on the east side of the island.
Latitude
54.8329°
Longitude
-3.8083°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kippford(2.7 km)
Admiralty No.
A4640
NGA No.
4832
ARLHS No.
SCO-095
Wikidata
Q29589124 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Hestan Island Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 42 meters and a nominal range of 9 nautical miles (approximately 16.7 km), Hestan Island is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Hestan Island Lighthouse at night?+
Hestan Island displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 10s — 2 white flashes every 10 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 Hestan Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hestan Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kippford at 2.2 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Southerness (7.5 NM ENE), Kirkcudbright (8.6 NM W), Carsethorn (9.7 NM ENE), Workington (13.8 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hestan Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hestan Island 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 Hestan Island Lighthouse?+
Hestan Island 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 Hestan Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hestan Island 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.