Sumburgh Head Lighthouse

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The Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, German Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, is a lighthouse on the Scottish island of Shetland Mainland. 1977, the lighthouse in the Scottish lists of monuments has been listed in the highest category A.

The lighthouse is located on the Cape Sumburgh Head, which marks the southernmost point of Mainland. The lighthouse is located at a height of 91 m above sea level, resulting in a range of 23 nautical miles ( about 42 km). The identifier of the tower are three white flashes every 30 seconds.

History

At the site of the lighthouse on the headland Sumburgh Head there were before the remains of a historic fortresses From this also the name of the site derives. Sumburgh derives from Old Norse " Sunn Borg " for " Castle in the South" from. Robert Stevenson, who should be responsible for the planning of the lighthouse later, in August 1815 explored the location and considered him to be suitable for the construction of a lighthouse. The work began in January 1819 and were carried out by the Company John Reid of Peterhead. 1821, the first lighthouse in the Shetland Islands was completed and went into operation. Instead of the usual 21 reflectors this time he was equipped with 26. The annual operating costs amounted to £ 650.

From the second half of the 19th century, 15 cases are recorded in which the guards on duty fell asleep while on duty. This is the most serious offense of a lighthouse keeper, as a signal light going out may not be noticed or the machinery may be damaged due to an undetected malfunction. 1871 were fired after their mutual agreement falling asleep was not known to report at work two of the lighthouse keeper. 1905 were further outbuildings added and the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse finally fully automated in 1991.