Southerness lighthouse

Southerness Lighthouse stands at the edge of Southerness village in Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland. It is the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland, built to guide ships safely through the Solway Firth to the Nith Estuary. The Town Council of Dumfries commissioned it in 1748 because roads were poor and most trade moved by sea. Dumfries was a busy port with regular sailings to Liverpool and Ireland. Construction finished in 1749, and the light first shone around 1800.

The lighthouse was improved in 1805 by Robert Stevenson with help from James Slight. It was raised twice, most notably between 1842 and 1844 to a design by Walter Newall. The light was extinguished between 1867 and 1894 for financial reasons. In 1894 it was restored thanks to Georgiana Blackett of Arbigland, a local benefactress.

Visitors find a sturdy stone tower standing near the sandy beach at Southerness. The surrounding area offers views across the Solway Firth and along the coast. The lighthouse is no longer in use but remains a landmark. Nearby, the village has a small harbour and quiet lanes. The beach is wide and often windswept, with views towards the Lake District hills on clear days.