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Newport-on-Tay Lighthouse

Oc White/Red/Green 3s🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Newport-on-Tay Lighthouse

The Newport-on-Tay lighthouse, a cylindrical stone tower painted white, was first lit in 1820. Standing 23 meters tall with a focal height of 24 meters, it guides vessels entering the Firth of Tay from its location at Tayport. The structure features a lantern and gallery, and emits an occulting white, red, and green light with a 3-second cycle. Its operational status continues to assist navigation, with a geographic range of 14.1 nautical miles. The keeper's house, originally part of the station, was sold in 2003 and has undergone private restoration efforts.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a leading light for the Firth of Tay estuary and contributes to local tourism as part of Tayport's Lighthouse Walk.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red/Green 3s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Oc W R G 3s
Focal Height
24m
Geographic Range
14.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1820

Significant events: Keeper's house sold in 2003 for restoration, owner David Nicholls died in 2007, property resold and restoration continued

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
23m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Sea Region
Edge of the Firth of Tay in Tayport, guiding vessels entering the estuary
Latitude
56.4528°
Longitude
-2.8990°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tayport(0.6 km)
Admiralty No.
A3142
NGA No.
2620
ARLHS No.
SCO-237
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Newport-on-Tay Lighthouse at night?+
Newport-on-Tay displays the characteristic Oc White/Red/Green 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/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Newport-on-Tay Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Newport-on-Tay Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tayport at 0.7 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include BROUGHTY FERRY (1.1 NM ENE), Dundee (1.7 NM WNW), St Andrews (8.1 NM SSE), Charleston (8.5 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Newport-on-Tay Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Newport-on-Tay 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 Newport-on-Tay Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Newport-on-Tay 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.