Description

The Bell Rock Lighthouse, off the coast of Angus, is the world’s oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse. It was built between 1807 and 1810 by Robert Stevenson on the Bell Rock (also known as Inchcape) in the North Sea, 11 miles (18 km) east of the Firth of Tay. Standing 35 metres (115 ft) tall, its light is visible from 35 statute miles (56 km) inland.

The lighthouse operated in tandem with a shore station, the Bell Rock Signal Tower, built in 1813 at the mouth of Arbroath harbour. Today this building houses the Signal Tower Museum, a visitor centre detailing the history of the lighthouse.

According to legend, the rock is called Bell Rock because of a 14th-century attempt by the Abbot of Arbroath to install a warning bell on it. The bell lasted only one year before it was stolen by a Dutch pirate. This story is immortalised in “The Inchcape Rock”, a poem by 19th-century poet Robert Southey. The rock was the scene of many shipwrecks as it lies just below the surface of the sea for all but a few hours at low tide.

Boat trips are available from Arbroath Harbour to see the lighthouse.

Telephone number provided is for the Arbroath harbourmaster.

(Note: location of the pin on Google Map is a guide only)

Angus from the Air

Angus is home to some truly spectacular locations – from the breathtaking scenery of the rolling hills and glens, to the sandy white beaches and sheer cliff faces on our coastline.

You can experience Angus from the comfort of your own home with our stunning drone films and be inspired to plan your next visit to Angus to see these amazing locations in person. See our Angus from the Air blog for more.

Take a look at this stunning footage of the Bell Rock.