A circular storm-signal platform later gained a wartime lookout, layering two systems of coastal surveillance on the Pictish headland.
Quick facts
- Date
- Earlier to mid-19th century; wartime lookout added
- Architect / designer
- Unknown
- Type
- Circular storm-signal enclosure with Second World War lookout
- Designation
- Listed building, Category C (LB46516)
- OS grid reference
- NJ 10839 69178
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
A whitewashed circular wall encloses a raised platform reached through a segmental doorway. The original mast is gone; a flat-roofed rectangular lookout with boarded openings now occupies the centre.
Its story
A tall mast once hoisted a cone to warn sailors that a storm threatened and they should return to harbour. During the Second World War, a standard lookout was built inside the older signal enclosure.
Why it is included
Category C listing recognises a rare maritime warning structure whose later military reuse adds to the layered headland history.
What to notice
- The circular perimeter wall.
- Steps through the segmental doorway.
- The rectangular wartime lookout at the centre.
Reading the surroundings
View from lawful headland paths, keep away from exposed edges and do not climb walls or enter boarded structures.
Timeline
- Earlier to mid-19th century The storm-warning mast and circular enclosure were established.
- Second World War A coastal lookout was inserted within the older platform.
- Present The mast has gone, but the enclosure and lookout survive.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The exact installation date and operational period of the storm signal are unknown.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Burghead Storm Signal, LB46516 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB46516 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
Location
OS grid reference NJ 10839 69178 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.