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Rova Head Lighthouse

Fl (3) White/Red/Green 18s🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Rova Head Lighthouse

Rova Head lighthouse, a steel cylindrical skeletal tower enclosed by white aluminum panels, stands 7 meters tall with a focal height of 12 meters. Operational since 2002, it replaced an earlier cast iron structure established in 1904. The light emits three flashes of white, red, or green every 18 seconds, visible for 11 nautical miles. Situated on an island west of the northern entrance to Bressay Sound, it is approximately 2.9 km from Lerwick. While the site is accessible, the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is indispensable for safe passage into and out of Bressay Sound and Lerwick, guiding ships through the northern approach to this significant Shetland port.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White/Red/Green 18s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
18s
Raw Code
Fl(3) WGR 18s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2002

Significant events: Station established 1904, original cast iron tower replaced 2002

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
Material
steel

Structure: square cylindrical skeletal tower enclosed by white aluminum panels

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Sea Region
on an island on the west side of the northern entrance to Bressay Sound and Lerwick, off Blackhill Road about 5 km north of Lerwick
Latitude
60.1199°
Longitude
-1.1216°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Lerwick(2.9 km)
Admiralty No.
A3794
NGA No.
3404
ARLHS No.
SCO-187
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Rova Head Lighthouse at night?+
Rova Head displays the characteristic Fl (3) White/Red/Green 18s — 3 white/red/green flashes every 18 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Rova Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Rova Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Maryfield, Bressay at 1.8 NM to the N. Other ports served include Lerwick (3 NM NNW), Tingwall (4 NM NW), Scalloway (4.7 NM W), Hamnavoe, Burra Isle (6.4 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Rova Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Rova Head 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 Rova Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Rova Head 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.