- Bell Rock Lighthouse is in Angus, Scotland.
- Oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse in the world
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Bell Rock Lighthouse
The Bell Rock Lighthouse, standing on a treacherous reef 11 miles off Arbroath, is the oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse in the world and one of the greatest feats of engineering of its age. Built by Robert Stevenson, it has defied the North Sea for more than two centuries.
The story of Bell Rock Lighthouse
Construction began in 1807 and was completed in 1810 by Robert Stevenson, who was inspired by John Smeaton's Eddystone design and overcame extraordinary difficulties building on a reef that was only exposed for a few hours at low tide. The 35-metre tower first lit on 1 February 1811 and is the oldest rock lighthouse still standing in the world. The reef takes its name from a bell installed by the medieval Abbot of Arbroath to warn sailors, which was stolen by a pirate. The lighthouse was electrified in 1964, automated in 1988 and converted to solar power.
Visiting with care
The Bell Rock lies far offshore and cannot be visited, but its story is told at the Signal Tower Museum in Arbroath, which served as the lighthouse's shore station and keepers' accommodation. Boat trips from Arbroath occasionally run to view the tower on calm days.
Interesting facts
- Completed in 1810 by Robert Stevenson, first lit on 1 February 1811.
- The oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse in the world.
- Built on a reef only exposed for a few hours at low tide.
- Named after a medieval warning bell stolen by a pirate.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.