Todhead Lighthouse Explained

Todhead Lighthouse is a lighthouse in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.[1] [2] [3] The lighthouse is Category B listed.

The lighthouse is located south of Stonehaven on the coastline between Kinneff and Catterline. Todhead is said to take its name from the Scots word for a fox (tod).[4]

History

The lighthouse was completed in 1897 to the design and control of the engineer David Alan Stevenson.[1]

The lighthouse was electrified in 1978 and automated in 1986.

The lighthouse remained under the control of the Northern Lighthouse Board until 2007 when the lighthouse was discontinued and the adjacent buildings sold in a public sale. The optic system, including the machine with the clockwork mechanism and lens were donated to the National Museum of Scotland. The mechanism and lens now form part of the permanent collection.[5] The lantern and lens is 6-metres (20 ft) in height.[6]

In 2013, plans were submitted by Moxton Architects for the restoration, extension and conversion of the lighthouse and works were completed in 2018 winning best design in the Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Awards.[7] [8]

Building and light characteristics

The lighthouse is composed of a short circular-section tower with a triangular-paned domed-top standard lantern. The buildings are decorated in Harling with exposed dressings.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Munro, Robert William . Scottish Lighthouses . Hydra Book Company . Stornoway, Lewis . 1979 . 0-906191-32-7.
  2. Web site: Aberdeenshire HER - NO87NE0014 - TOD HEAD LIGHTHOUSE . 6 June 2024 . Aberdeenshire Council.
  3. Book: Cossons, Neil . The BP Book of Industrial Archaeology . David & Charles . Newton Abbot . 1993 . 978-0-7153-0134-0.
  4. Book: Watson, Adam . Place names in much of north-east Scotland . Paragon Publishing . 2013 . 978-1-78222-069-5 . 267.
  5. Web site: Running like clockwork . 6 June 2024 . National Museum of Scotland.
  6. Book: Alberti, Samuel J. M. M. . Curious Devices and Mighty Machines . Reaktion Books . London . 2022-09-26 . 978-1-78914-640-0 . 119.
  7. Web site: Moxon Architects submit plans for lighthouse conversion . 6 June 2024 . Building Design.
  8. Web site: Nominations for best designs across the north-east now open . 6 June 2024 . Press and Journal.