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Isle of Whithorn Lighthouse

Fl White/Red 3s🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Isle of Whithorn Lighthouse

This square stone tower stands 4 meters tall on Isle Head, a promontory marking the west entrance to Wigtown Bay. Its focal height is 20 meters, and it emits a white or red flash every three seconds, depending on the direction. The tower is painted white and is situated 0.2 kilometers from the nearest port, Isle of Whithorn. It formerly served as a signal tower before its conversion to a navigational aid. The site is accessible to the public, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for vessels navigating the western approach to Wigtown Bay, guiding them into the Isle of Whithorn harbor. Its directional light provides precise guidance through the harbor entrance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White/Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W/R 3s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Formerly a signal tower

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
4m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: square stone tower, painted white

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Sea Region
Western entrance to Wigtown Bay, on Isle Head, a promontory on the east side of the Isle of Whithorn harbor entrance.
Latitude
54.6964°
Longitude
-4.3593°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Isle of Whithorn(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
A4624.2
NGA No.
4823.5
ARLHS No.
SCO-357
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Isle of Whithorn Lighthouse at night?+
Isle of Whithorn displays the characteristic Fl White/Red 3s. 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/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Isle of Whithorn Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Isle of Whithorn Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Isle of Whithorn at 0.3 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Garlieston (5.5 NM N), Port William (8.8 NM WNW), Wigtown (10.5 NM NNW), Kirkcudbright (13.5 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Isle of Whithorn Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Isle of Whithorn 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 Isle of Whithorn Lighthouse?+
Isle of Whithorn 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 Isle of Whithorn Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Isle of Whithorn 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.