This Start Point is not to be confused with Start Point in South Devon, which also has a lovely lighthouse but isn't an island. Orkney's Start Point is an uninhabited tidal island off the north east coast of Sanday. According to the guidebooks there is a causeway across to it at low tide. However this is in very bad repair and there is about 40 metres in the middle, which is very very slippery seaweed. I did question my sanity at one point but I was determined to get there.
The first lighthouse on the island was an unlit masonry tower. This was replaced in 1806 by The current light, which was built by Robert Stevenson. The ball from the original tower was placed on the Old Light on North Ronaldsay. The Start Point Lighthouse replaced the one on North Ronaldsay. It was the first Scottish lighthouse to have a revolving light. It was painted with vertical black and white stripes in 1915 and is the only Scottish lighthouse to be painted in this way. Personally I prefer my lighthouses with wide horizontal stripes, preferably in red! The light was automated in 1962 and is now powered by solar energy. Until 1962 the lighthouse keeper, his assistant and their families lived at the lighthouse. It is occasionally open to visitors.
Start Point Lighthouse in the distance
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