The great St Abbs Lighthouse surrounded by scenic views and an abundance of wildlife!

Located on our Berwickshire Coastal Path and the St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve, St Abbs Lighthouse is a stunning landmark surrounded by great scenic views and wildlife. It certainly is worth the walk!

It marks the southern entrance to the Firth of Forth and was built in 1862 following the sinking of the ship, “Martello” which took place in 1857. The lighthouse was designed and built by lighthouse designing brothers, Thomas, and David Stevenson. The father and Uncle of Treasure Island author, Robert Louis Stevenson. Whilst discontinued in 1987, the siren fog signal was the first in Scotland and was originally constructed in 1876. For the Firth of Forth lighthouses, St Abb’s Head was actually the communication control station.

Initially, the lighthouse generated light using oil before it converted to incandescent power in 1906 and then electricity in 1966.  It was in 1993 that the lighthouse became automated before which the lighthouse was operated by three full-time keepers.

Whilst the lighthouse is not open to the public you can admire it as you walk through the nature reserve or you can even stay in the lighthouse cottages for a very unique experience! Click here to find out more!

Tip! – Take in the beautiful nature and scenery in the nature reserve on your way to the lighthouse by following the Lighthouse Loop trail. Click the link here to discover the route in St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve’s leaflet.