URPoint Details
The area around the headland of Buchan Ness, south of Peterhead was for many centuries the point from which trading and whaling voyages departed across open ocean, bound or Archangel, and Spitsbergen amongst other destinations
Over time, many vessels had been run aground in poor weather and in 1819 petitions were sent to the Northern Lighthouse Board to erect a lighthouse in the vicinity. As Engineer to the board, Robert Stevenson decided upon the present location; the granite-built construction being completed in 1825 and the light established in 1827.
The red band was painted in 1907 to help passing ships determine their location and for many years a foghorn (locally known as the Boddam Coo or also as the Boddam Bear, prior to re-equipping in 1978) was installed, and officially turned off in 2000.
The lighthouse is 118 ft (36 m) high, flashing a white light every 5 seconds which with the current lamp is visible for 28 nautical miles (52 km).
- Type:
- Landmark