Eilean Bàn Lighthouse
Nestled beneath the famous Skye Bridge in Loch Alsh, Eilean Bàn Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive lighthouse sites in the Scottish Highlands. Built in 1857 by the celebrated Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers, the white tower stands on Eilean Bàn, or “White Island,” a small rocky island that has long served as an important navigational marker for vessels sailing between the mainland and the Isle of Skye. One of the most fascinating aspects of the lighthouse is its connection to renowned naturalist and author Gavin Maxwell, best known for Ring of Bright Water. After purchasing the island, Maxwell transformed the former lighthouse keepers’ cottages into his home, spending his final years surrounded by the wildlife and scenery that inspired much of his work. Today, the island remains closely associated with his legacy. The lighthouse itself was constructed by David and Thomas Stevenson and served mariners for more than a century. It was automated in 1960 and eventually decommissioned in 1993 following the construction of the Skye Bridge, which now uses the island as a stepping stone across the channel. Despite no longer operating as a lighthouse, the tower remains an iconic feature of the landscape.
Kyle of Lochalsh Scotland
Eilean Bàn Lighthouse is a charming whitewashed beacon set on the small, scenic island of Eilean Bàn in the Kyle Akin strait between the Scottish mainland and the Isle of Skye. Built in 1857 by the famed lighthouse engineers David and Thomas Stevenson, the twenty-three-metre tower played a key role for well over a century in guiding coastal shipping through the narrow tidal waters. The island also gained literary fame as the home of author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell, who wrote about his beloved otters while living in the lighthouse keeper's cottages. Location: Eilean Bàn, Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8HA, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom. It sits on a six-acre island in the Kyle Akin strait, directly beneath the arches of the Skye Bridge connecting Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin. Because of its unique setting at the gateway to the Isle of Skye, visiting Eilean Bàn places you within easy reach of magnificent Highland history and scenery. Crossing over to Skye brings you to the dramatic ruined sea fortress of Castle Moil in Kyleakin. Heading east onto the mainland leads to the world-famous Eilean Donan Castle sitting on its tidal island at Loch Duich, as well as the historic Balmacara Estate and the picturesque coastal village of Plockton.