Fladda

Fladda is a small, flat islet in the Sound of Luing, part of the Slate Islands off Scotland’s west coast. It lies between the larger islands of Luing and Belnahua, roughly 1.8 kilometres from Cullippol. The name comes from Old Norse, meaning ‘flat island’. The islet is best known for its white cylindrical lighthouse, built in 1860 by engineers David A. and Thomas Stevenson. The tower stands 13 metres high and is topped with a black lantern and ochre trim. The lighthouse remains active today, managed privately but operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board. Its light flashes twice white every nine seconds, guiding vessels through the Sound. The keeper’s house nearby has become a surprising home for a large colony of terns. The Stevenson family, famous for their lighthouse designs, left a lasting mark on Scotland’s coasts with this structure. Visitors to Fladda find a quiet, windswept islet with the lighthouse as its main feature. The white tower contrasts sharply with the dark lantern and trim, making it easy to spot from a distance. The surrounding Sound of Luing offers calm waters and views of the Slate Islands. Birdlife, especially terns, adds life to the scene. The islet’s remoteness and simplicity make it a peaceful place to observe coastal engineering and nature.