Eilean Glas Lighthouse
The first lighthouse in the Hebrides, lit in 1789, a red and white tower on the east coast of Scalpay.
Eilean Glas Lighthouse stands on a rocky point on the east coast of Scalpay, the small island joined by a bridge to Harris near Tarbert, and it was the first lighthouse in the Outer Hebrides.
Thomas Smith began it in 1787 and finished it in 1789; the red and white tower and the keepers' houses were added later by the Stevensons, the family of his son-in-law Robert Stevenson. A fine stone wall round it sheltered the crops the keepers grew to feed themselves in so remote a place.
There is no road. The Scalpay Heritage Walk, marked with yellow-topped posts, crosses the island's wet moor and over Beinn Scorabhaig, with views to the Shiant Isles, the empty hills of south-east Lewis, Skye and the mainland, then drops to the lighthouse. Puffins can be seen along the cliff tops in late spring and summer. It was here that the last great auk recorded in Scotland was caught, in 1821. Allow half a day; boots are essential.
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Cross the bridge to Scalpay and park considerately in the lay-bys by the village; the Heritage Walk, marked by yellow-topped posts, crosses wet moor to the lighthouse.
The full circuit is about 8 miles, moderate, about 4 hours.
- Getting there
- CalMac ferry from Uig on Skye to Tarbert, or from North Uist to Leverburgh.
- Walk
- Scalpay Heritage Walk, 8 miles, about 4 hours.
- Ground
- Very wet in places.
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Add your reviewThe east coast of Scalpay, off Harris.
North Harbour BistroA small seafood bistro beside the harbour on the island of Scalpay, opened by the chef George Lavery in 2014, open on weekday evenings.2 miles 7 min by road
FlavourA small restaurant in Tarbert where every table is a chef's table for an eight-course tasting menu.8 miles 16 min by road
Hotel HebridesA hotel on the pier road in Tarbert, by the ferry from Uig, with twenty-one bedrooms, four suites and the Pierhouse Restaurant.8 miles 17 min by road
Essence of Harris, Tarbert8 miles 15 min by road
Harris Tweed Isle of Harris, Tarbert9 miles 16 min by road
The Golden RoadThe single-track road of 1897 along the rocky east coast of South Harris, through a string of tiny townships.14 miles 23 min by road
Places to stay near the lighthouse, and when each is next free.
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The collections it is in and more in the Outer Hebrides.
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