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All the United Kingdom Scotland North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower
AO Edited

North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower

One of the world's smallest functioning lighthouse boasts an unexpected connection.

North Queensferry, Scotland

Added By
SEANETTA ALLSASS
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Generations of ship captains relied on these to find their way.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Generations of ship captains relied on these to find their way.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Visit the world’s smallest functioning lighthouse.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The lighthouse can be seen from the Forth Railway Bridge.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Robert Stevenson was the grandfather of the famous author.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The lighthouse is a local point of pride.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
This is the smallest functioning ligthhouse in the world.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
A plaque explains the history of the lighthouse.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
A section of mosaic artwork at North Queensferry Station depicts the lighthouse.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
View from Forth Rail Bridge   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Including its islands, the country of Scotland has close to 12,000 miles of seashore, with 200 hundred lighthouses that act as beacons for all types of seafaring watercraft. These pharos come in an assortment of designs, as well as shapes and sizes. The North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower, situated below the northern expanse of the Forth Railway Bridge, measures just 23 feet in height, giving it the distinct honor of being the smallest lighthouse in the world.

It was designed in the early part of the 19th century by Robert Stevenson. Mr. Stevenson came from a long line of lighthouse architects, five generations to be exact. He also happened to be the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, author of such nautical adventures as Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Related Tags

Literature Lighthouses

Know Before You Go

North Queensferry can be reached by automobile. The simplest route is to take the train to North Queensferry and follow the signs to the five-minute walk down to the pier.

The Tower Light is visible at all hours. Access to the interior is seasonal, check website for opening times.

Community Contributors

Added By

SEANETTA

Published

February 7, 2025

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  • https://www.nqht.org/queensferry-passage/the-light-tower/
North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower
60 Main St
North Queensferry, Scotland, KY11 1JB
United Kingdom
56.008302, -3.397324
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Forth Bridge

Inverkeithing, Scotland

miles away

The Loony Dook

Edinburgh, Scotland

miles away

The Black Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 739
Stories 49

Nearby Places

Forth Bridge

Inverkeithing, Scotland

miles away

The Loony Dook

Edinburgh, Scotland

miles away

The Black Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 739
Stories 49

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