Rua Reidh

The name “Rua Reidh” is a semi-anglicisation of “Rubha Rèidh” meaning a flat headland.

A lighthouse on Rubh’Re Point was first proposed by David Stevenson in 1853. Building was started by his son, David Alan Stevenson in 1908 and the light was first lit on 15 January 1912. The original light came from a paraffin lamp, subsequently converted to electricity.

To the north, a quay and ramp provided access from the sea, but only accessible at high tide in calm seas. This was the only route for supplies (barring a long overland journey on foot or a trip by donkey) until the road from Gairloch was built in 1962. Paraffin was pumped from the quay and other goods were transported to the lighthouse on a small trolley on rails.

The fog signal service was installed in 1912 and withdrawn in September 1980. The foghorn and clockwork mechanism are now in the Gairloch Heritage Museum along with the lens and lighting equipment which was removed in 1985 prior to automation of the Station in 1986.

Since automation of the light, the adjacent accommodation being surplus to requirements, was sold into private ownership. Several of the outbuildings now serve as Bed and breakfast and self-catering tourist accommodation.