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Butt of Lewis

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Ross-shire

Scotland

Butt of Lewis

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David & Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh. The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic.
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse Credit: Ralph Greig

The Butt of Lewis is a prominent coastal feature located in Ross-shire, Scotland. It is a headland that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, forming the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis. The name "Butt" is derived from the Gaelic word "bùth" which means a shop or booth.

This rugged headland is characterized by towering cliffs that reach up to 60 meters in height, providing spectacular views of the surrounding coastline. The cliffs are composed of ancient Lewisian gneiss, one of the oldest rocks in Europe, dating back over three billion years.

At the tip of the Butt of Lewis, there is a striking white lighthouse that was built in 1862 by David and Thomas Stevenson, members of a famous Scottish lighthouse engineering dynasty. The lighthouse stands at 37 meters tall, and its powerful light can be seen up to 24 nautical miles away. It was manned until 1998 when it was automated, and it now serves as a visitor attraction.

The area surrounding the Butt of Lewis is known for its wild and untamed beauty. The headland is frequently battered by strong winds and powerful waves, making it a popular spot for surfers and photographers seeking dramatic shots of the crashing waves. Seabirds, including puffins, fulmars, and guillemots, can often be spotted nesting on the cliffs, adding to the area's natural charm.

Visitors to the Butt of Lewis can take in the awe-inspiring scenery, explore the lighthouse, and enjoy peaceful walks along the coastal paths. It is a unique and captivating destination that showcases the raw beauty of Scotland's coastline.

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Butt of Lewis Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.513033/-6.2620374 or Grid Reference NB5166. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David & Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh. The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic.
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David & Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh. The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic.
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David & Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh. The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic.
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David & Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh. The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic.
Road to the lighthouse The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David & Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh. The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic.
Road to the lighthouse
The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. There is a lighthouse designed and built by David & Thomas Stevenson (sons of Robert and brother of Alan - all lighthouse engineers) and constructed in 1862. It is 37m (121ft) tall at an elevation of 52m (170ft) with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles. It flashes a white light every five seconds, and since 1998 is fully automated, being one of the last four Scottish lighthouses to dispense with the services of their keepers. It is looked after by the Northern Lighthouse Board (the Scottish equivalent to Trinity House) and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh. The Butt of Lewis has appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest place in the United Kingdom, sticking out as it does into the North Atlantic.
Port Stoth Geocaching is a type of global treasure hunt of people looking for caches, or hidden stashes of objects. Geocaching may also be described as a series of hide-and-seek games, where hiders provide online clues for seekers. Seekers use global positioning system (GPS) devices to find hidden caches
Port Stoth
Geocaching is a type of global treasure hunt of people looking for caches, or hidden stashes of objects. Geocaching may also be described as a series of hide-and-seek games, where hiders provide online clues for seekers. Seekers use global positioning system (GPS) devices to find hidden caches
St Molveg's Church, Eoropie
St Molveg's Church, Eoropie
Trig point at Butt of Lewis
Trig point at Butt of Lewis
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
Sea thrift on islet at Geodha nan Each, Butt of Lewis
Sea thrift on islet at Geodha nan Each, Butt of Lewis
Beach at Cunndal, Eoropie
Beach at Cunndal, Eoropie
Cunndal Drownings Memorial, Eoropie This is a memorial to the men lost here on 5th March 1885, when the local fishing fleet was caught in a terrible gale. Two boats attempted to seek shelter at Cunndal, just north of this point. Both boats and twelve men – all from Eoropie - were lost.
Cunndal Drownings Memorial, Eoropie
This is a memorial to the men lost here on 5th March 1885, when the local fishing fleet was caught in a terrible gale. Two boats attempted to seek shelter at Cunndal, just north of this point. Both boats and twelve men – all from Eoropie - were lost.
Traigh Shanndaigh, Eoropie
Traigh Shanndaigh, Eoropie
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse I did consider correcting the converging verticals in this shot but then I got an attack of acrophobia so could no longer look at it!
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
I did consider correcting the converging verticals in this shot but then I got an attack of acrophobia so could no longer look at it!
Cleite Gile Rocks at the Butt of Lewis.
Cleite Gile
Rocks at the Butt of Lewis.
Butt of Lewis lighthouse
Butt of Lewis lighthouse
Port Stoth Port Stoth is the most northerly beach on the Western Isles. All the materials for the construction of the Butt of Lewis lighthouse were landed here between 1851 and 1862. As it was a sheltered spot the beach continued to be used to bring supplies to the lighthouse until the 1960s. On 22nd January 1901 a wooden lugsail (Lugger) in ballast was stranded at Port Stoth. Surprisingly, no name is recorded of the unregistered vessel but its date of building was known to be 1893 and the master was a Captain Gunn.
Port Stoth
Port Stoth is the most northerly beach on the Western Isles. All the materials for the construction of the Butt of Lewis lighthouse were landed here between 1851 and 1862. As it was a sheltered spot the beach continued to be used to bring supplies to the lighthouse until the 1960s. On 22nd January 1901 a wooden lugsail (Lugger) in ballast was stranded at Port Stoth. Surprisingly, no name is recorded of the unregistered vessel but its date of building was known to be 1893 and the master was a Captain Gunn.
Cleite Gile, Rubha Robhanais Cliffs at Butt of Lewis
Cleite Gile, Rubha Robhanais
Cliffs at Butt of Lewis
Butt of Lewis lighthouse with Transocean Winner offshore The ineptly-named oilrig slowly rounds the Butt at a safe distance, having been refloated from Dalmore beach the previous evening. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5088125">NB5268 : Transocean Winner rounds the Butt</a>.
Butt of Lewis lighthouse with Transocean Winner offshore
The ineptly-named oilrig slowly rounds the Butt at a safe distance, having been refloated from Dalmore beach the previous evening. See NB5268 : Transocean Winner rounds the Butt.
The Northwest extremity of Scotland, Butt of Lewis
The Northwest extremity of Scotland, Butt of Lewis
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Butt of Lewis is located at Grid Ref: NB5166 (Lat: 58.513033, Lng: -6.2620374)

Unitary Authority: Na h-Eileanan an Iar

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

Also known as: Rubha Robhanais

What 3 Words

///arrive.energetic.shippers. Near North Tolsta, Na h-Eileanan Siar

Nearby Locations

Geodha Beag Buaile nan Caorach Carspag Ramraga Butt of Lewis Rubha Robhanais

Related Wikis

Butt of Lewis
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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.513033,-6.2620374
Rudha Robhanais
Alt Name: Rudh Eorrapaidh
Name En: Butt of Lewis
Name Gd: Rudha Robhanais
Natural: cape
Source: OS_6_inch_Scotland
Wikidata: Q3499864
Wikipedia: en:Butt of Lewis
Lat/Long: 58.5157022/-6.2605895
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Buaile nan Caorach
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 58.5143828/-6.2692976
OpenStreetMap
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Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 58.5136312/-6.2668177
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 58.5096676/-6.2564631
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.509164/-6.2601155
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.5098317/-6.2601475
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.5104369/-6.2601526
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.5109929/-6.2601874
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.5117185/-6.2601955
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.5126375/-6.2602293
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.5130226/-6.2607079
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.5135194/-6.261308
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Material: wood
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.5140047/-6.261872
OpenStreetMap
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Stàthanais
Natural: cape
Lat/Long: 58.5143707/-6.2551575
OpenStreetMap
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Geodha Beag
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 58.5147629/-6.2670451
OpenStreetMap
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Passing Place
Lat/Long: 58.5097313/-6.2563871
OpenStreetMap
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Man Made: mast
Tower Construction: lattice
Tower Type: communication
Lat/Long: 58.5149074/-6.2614601
OpenStreetMap
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Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 58.5150591/-6.2602381
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench: yes
Leisure: picnic_table
Lit: no
Lat/Long: 58.5153208/-6.2603935
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench: yes
Leisure: picnic_table
Lit: no
Lat/Long: 58.5153046/-6.2604458
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench: yes
Leisure: picnic_table
Lit: no
Lat/Long: 58.5153348/-6.2604364
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Access: no
Entrance: yes
Lat/Long: 58.515555/-6.2609309
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Rubha Reinis Inverness-shire
Rubha Robhanais Ross-shire

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