Mull of Kintyre
From Southend the lighthouse is 9 miles (14 km) along a single track road which climbs to 1,531ft (412 m) before descending nearly 1000ft (305 m) within 3/4 of a mile.
Built in 1788 by Thomas Smith the first engineer to the Northern Lighthouse Board. The lighthouse was rebuilt between 1821 and 1830 under the supervision of Robert Stevenson, father of the famous author. A fog-horn was added in 1876 and the light was electrified in 1976. In 1996 the lighthouse was automated.
In 1994, a Chinock helicopter flew into the Mull of Kintyre in cloudy conditions killing all 29 people on board. A memorial cairn commemorates the victims.
Hector’s House
The lighthouse keeper’s cottage has been refurbished by the National Trust for Scotland and is let for holidays. The 18th century cottage named after Hector Lamont, MBE, who was the last principal lightkeeper has been completely refurbished. For more information on letting Hector’s House contact The National Trust for Scotland.
