Robert Stevenson’s circular shore light of 1823 retains its original octagonal cupola and forms part of the Tay’s historic navigation system.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1823
- Architect / designer
- Robert Stevenson
- Type
- Circular masonry shore lighthouse
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB41950)
- OS grid reference
- NO 45091 29327
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
A circular pinned-rubble tower rises to a moulded cornice, railed balcony and finely proportioned octagonal lantern. Its compact masonry form contrasts with the later pile light standing in the estuary.
Its story
Robert Stevenson signed plans for the light in June 1823 as Dundee Harbour interests improved the marking of approaches. A detached cottage accompanied the tower although early drawings had shown it connected.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises a substantially intact early nineteenth-century light by Scotland’s best-known lighthouse engineering family, including its original cupola.
What to notice
- Circular rubble tower narrowing the silhouette.
- Railed balcony below the lantern.
- Original eight-sided cupola at the summit.
Reading the surroundings
View from public paths on the common without crossing fences or entering the tower. Do not climb masonry or railings, and respect any operational equipment and nearby residents.
Timeline
- 1823 Robert Stevenson prepared plans for a new Tay shore light.
- 19th century The tower worked with companion lights to guide vessels on aligned courses.
- 1973 National listing protected the early fabric and original cupola.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Current operational status, ownership and interior condition were not confirmed beyond the designation and lighthouse-authority historical context.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Tayport East Lighthouse, LB41950 — Current designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB41950 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
- Northern Lighthouse Board: Stevenson engineers and Tay Lights — Official historical context for Robert Stevenson and the Tay light system.
Location
OS grid reference NO 45091 29327 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; the public text separately states access and any 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.
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