Lighthouse, Oxcars

The lighthouse at Oxcars was designed by engineers David and Thomas Stevenson in 1886. It features a four-stage circular-plan tower with a battered design, topped by a domed lantern. The structure is made of brick with a deep coursed, stugged sandstone base, and both sections are painted white with prominent horizontal bands of black and red. The tower has a crenellated parapet that is corbelled out around the cleaning path at its apex. Access to the lighthouse is provided by two flights of fixed metal stepladders leading to the entrance on the south side, which is protected by a reinforced two-leaf boarded timber outer door. There are two narrow windows on each of the upper two floors of the tower, with four-pane timber sash and case windows. The lantern features triangular-paned glazing, a cast-iron murette at its base, and a copper dome at the top. A mass concrete landing stage and pier were added in 1894.

Inside, the lower floor serves as a storage area, while the upper floors contain living and sleeping spaces. The living area is on the lower level, with twin bunkrooms above, each equipped with a pair of box or built-in bunk beds and fitted cupboards or drawers. The living and sleeping areas feature boarded timber panelling, including inside the murette at the base of the lantern. Circular cast-iron vents are present in the murette, and a circular cast-iron post in the center supports the glass reflective lens in the lantern above. A plaque attached to this post provides details about the lens, stating it is a 'DIOPTRIC FIXED LIGHT APPARATUS designed by T & D Stevenson, Engineers. Barbiere & Finestre, Paris & Dove & Co Edinburgh, Manufacturers, 1885.' There is a cast-iron grille walkway around the lens. The lower timber floor has been reinforced with cast-iron beams at a later date, possibly in 1894, and includes a hole for hoisting gas cylinders. Cast-iron stepladders connect the different levels.