Steamboat Quay Light

The Steamboat Quay Light stands at the end of the West Quay in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde. It is a gusseisen lighthouse, about twelve metres tall, with a gently tapering cylinder fixed to a stone base. A lantern with a balcony and a domed roof crowns the tower, and its black-and-white chequered pattern remains as it was when first painted. The iron door on the north side is decorated with a cornice. A short distance upstream is the smaller Perch Light, built in a similar style. Historic Scotland dates the tower to the 1860s, though some sources suggest the 1870s. It was listed in Scotland’s statutory list of historic buildings at category B in 1990. The ironwork is held together by strong bolts, and the lantern’s dome is capped with a ventilator. The paint scheme uses the same black and white squares that were chosen in the 19th century. The tower’s simplicity and durability reflect the engineering standards of its time. Visitors reach the quay by walking along the waterfront from Port Glasgow town centre. The lighthouse is set against views of the River Clyde and the hills beyond. The nearby Perch Light can be seen from the same path, offering a contrast in scale. The stone quay and iron railings around the tower are part of the original harbour works. The site is quiet, with only the sound of water and occasional shipping. The tower’s chequered pattern makes it easy to spot from a distance.