A square white tower dated 1832 combines the practical form of a lighthouse with a memorial to Lady Eleanor Charteris.
Quick facts
- Date
- Dated 1832
- Architect / designer
- Commissioned by Walter Frederick Campbell; designer not identified in the designation
- Type
- Square-plan lighthouse and memorial tower
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB11973)
- OS grid reference
- NR 34929 44344
Architecture and continuing use
Three ashlar storeys rise to a flat roof, with a square staircase turret attached at one angle. The unusual domestic-tower silhouette differs from the circular tapered form of many later Scottish lighthouses; a marble tablet carries a verse and date.
Its story
Walter Frederick Campbell erected the lighthouse in memory of his first wife, Lady Eleanor Charteris. Its position at Carraig Fhada marks the western side of the approach across the bay to the town named for her.
Why it is included
It unites maritime navigation, estate patronage and personal commemoration in a conspicuous coastal structure.
What to notice
- The square main tower and attached stair turret.
- The inscribed marble memorial tablet.
- Sightlines back across the bay towards Port Ellen.
Reading the surroundings
Approach only by a lawful route and check local conditions. Coastal rocks, tides, wind and waves can make the setting hazardous; do not enter the tower or enclosed land without permission.
Timeline
- 1832 Walter Frederick Campbell erected the lighthouse as a memorial.
- 20 July 1971 The tower entered the statutory list at Category B.
- 2024 The reopened distillery described a clear view across the bay to Carraig Fhada.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The designation does not name an architect or confirm current public access. Navigational status should be checked with responsible authorities rather than inferred from the historic title.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Carraig Fhada Lighthouse, LB11973 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and significance.
- Diageo: Port Ellen distillery is reborn — Current geographic relationship across the bay to the lighthouse.
- Caledonian MacBrayne: Port Ellen port — Current maritime context for Loch Leodamais and the temporarily closed ferry port.
- Trove search: Carraig Fhada Lighthouse Port Ellen — National collection search for site records, surveys and archive material.
Location
OS grid reference NR 34929 44344 · Location confidence: High for the current national designation point; public text separately states access, component-identity and current-use uncertainty. · 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.