Lighthouse, Pierhead, North Queensferry

This is a lighthouse built circa 1810-1812 by John Rennie. It is a small, hexagonal tower, approximately 5 metres high with sides 1.22 metres wide, situated above the landward end of the Town Pier. The lighthouse is constructed of droved sandstone ashlar, featuring a projecting circular base 35 centimetres high. A string course sits above the timber boarded door, with a semicircular recess centred above the door, followed by another string course. The building has a banded and ovolo moulded eaves course, and a stone parapet above. The roof is an octagonal, ribbed copper dome with a cruciform metal vent pipe, the lower half of which is glazed with four-pane metal framing on each side.

Inside, there is a stone wheel stair, although this was not inspected in 2002.

The lighthouse forms a group with the Signal House, Town Pier and East and West Battery Piers. It stands as a historic association with the Ferry Passage and was built around the same time as the Signal House, Town Pier, East Battery Pier, and West Battery Pier. The Forth Ferry Trustee Company was established in 1809, and an Act of Parliament in 1810 resulted in the government acquiring the rights to the Ferry Passage. Improvements were needed at the North Queensferry landing facilities, and along with upgrades to the slip landings and piers at South Bay by engineer John Rennie, a lighthouse and signal house were constructed with the assistance of the Trustees. The tower retains its original lantern and vent pipe.