Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse

Oc White/Red/Green 4s🇬🇧GBOperational

Also known as: Sgeir Ghlas (Gray Reef, Tarbert)

This cylindrical concrete lighthouse stands 5.5 meters tall on a small island in East Loch Tarbert, approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Tarbert. Its focal height is 9 meters, and it emits a flashing white, red, or green light every 4 seconds, with a geographic range of 10 nautical miles. The tower is painted white and features a lantern and gallery. Accessible only by boat, the site is open to the public, though the tower itself remains closed. Scalpay Pier is the nearest port, located 1.5 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This light is essential for safe navigation within East Loch Tarbert, particularly for ferries traveling between Tarbert and Uig on the Isle of Skye, and for local vessels. Its sector light system helps delineate safe channels and warn of hazards.

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red/Green 4s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Oc WGR 4s
Focal Height
9m
Geographic Range
10NM
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Sea Region
Located on a small island in East Loch Tarbert about 5 km southeast of Tarbert. Accessible only by boat; good views from ferries between Tarbert and Uig on the Isle of Skye.
Latitude
57.8727°
Longitude
-6.7537°
Nearest Port
Scalpay Pier(1.5 km)
ARLHS No.
SCO-207
Tower Height
5.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near United Kingdom, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App
How do mariners identify Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse at night?+
Sgeir Ghlas displays the characteristic Oc White/Red/Green 4s. 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 Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tarbert,Harris at 2.1 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Scalpay, Outer Hebridies (2.3 NM E), North Harris (3.7 NM W), Leverburgh, Harris (10.8 NM SW), Eishken (12.4 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sgeir Ghlas 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 Sgeir Ghlas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sgeir Ghlas 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.