Kinnaird Head is of particular historical significance as it is the site of the first lighthouse in Scotland to be lit by the Commissioners of Northern Lights. The light was designed by Thomas Smith, built in 1787 and is still standing and in use to this day.
In 1929 Kinnaird Head was also home to the first Radio Beacon in Scotland.
Kinnaird Castle and lighthouse
The Kinnaird Castle (one of The Nine Castles of Knuckle),was built in 1570 by Sir Alexander Fraser, 8th laird of Philorth and sold to the Trustees of the Northern lights in 1787 who turned it into a lighthouse. Today it is the home of the "Museum of Scottish Lighthouses" and managed by the 'Kinnaird Head Trust'. The last to reside in the castle were John Gordon of Kinellar (1684-1764) and his wife, Henrietta Fraser (1698-1751).
Winetower
The Winetower is a small three story tower that is located approximately 50 metres from Kinnaird Head Lighthouse. It is reputed that in the cave below, one of the Fraser family imprisoned his daughters boyfriend, leaving him to drown there. It is said to be haunted.
External links
- Northern Lighthouse Board site on the history of Kinnaird Head
- Museum of Scottish Lighthouses Museum (official site)
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Last updated on Sunday June 01, 2008 at 16:38:34 PDT (GMT -0700)
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