Souter Lighthouse is situated to the north of Whitburn and was the first lighthouse in the world to be designed and built specifically to use alternating electric current…
Souter Lighthouse first switched on its illuminating carbon arc lamp back in 1871 on January 11th and was recognised as one of the most powerful lights in the whole world.
Located on the treacherous waters near Lizard Point, the lighthouse became a much-needed safety beacon for those navigating the surrounding waters of Whitburn Steel.
The coastline rapidly gained the unwanted title of being the most dangerous in the country, with an average of 40+ shipwrecks per every mile of coastline.
Today, Souter remains much in its original state except for updates during its lifespan to its electrical equipment and also the separate foghorn house (east of the tower), consisting of twin trumpets positioned east of the tower.
Souter lighthouse is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public with living quarters and engine room all accessible.
| Constructed | 1871 |
|---|---|
| Construction | brick (tower) |
| Height | 23 m (75 ft) |
| Shape | cylinder |
| Markings | white (tower), red (stripe), red (lantern) |
| Operator | Trinity House (–1988), National Trust (1990–) |
| Heritage | Grade II* listed building |
| Fog signal | One blast every 30s |
| Light | |
| First lit | 11 January 1871 |
| Deactivated | 1988 |
| Lens | third order Fresnel lens (1871–1914), first order Fresnel lens (1914–) |
| Range | 26 nmi (48 km; 30 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl R 5s |