Bressay Lighthouse up for sale

ONE of Shetland’s iconic lighthouses is now up for sale – with an asking price of more than £350,000.

Owner Shetland Amenity Trust has decided to put the Bressay lighthouse on the market to find a “new custodian” for the heritage property.

The trust said the decision follows a “careful and lengthy” period of consultation with the local community and other interested parties.

Built in 1858 by renowned lighthouse engineers David and Thomas Stevenson, the B-listed landmark has stood as a guiding beacon for over 160 years.

The trust has owned the lighthouse complex since 1995, after it was fully automated by the Northern Lighthouse Board in the 1980s.

In April 2022, the trust invited expressions of interest from community groups and private individuals, exploring a range of potential uses through both purchase and lease.

While several promising ideas emerged, no final agreement was reached.

The trust said its priority has been to secure a sustainable future for the site, whether through community-led initiatives or private ownership.

Shetland Amenity Trust chair Alison Moncrieff said the lighthouse holds a “special place in Shetland’s story”.

“While it’s been a difficult decision to part with the building, we believe this is the right moment to invite new energy and investment to help it thrive again,” she said.

“Rising costs and financial pressures mean the Trust is no longer able to care for the lighthouse in the way it deserves, but we are excited by the possibilities that lie ahead.

“We’re hopeful that a new owner will bring fresh vision and commitment to restore and reimagine the site, ensuring it can be enjoyed for years to come.

“We are grateful to the Directors of Bressay Development Ltd for their thoughtful work exploring a community-led solution. Although this was not feasible in the end, their dedication shows the deep value placed on the site.”

Any restoration or development will require permission from Historic Environment Scotland, and works must use traditional materials and techniques appropriate to the lighthouse’s listed status.

The property listing adds that the former keepers’ cottages and outbuildings have been adapted to support the Bressay Lighthouse artists’ residency, offering accommodation and studio space to visiting artists, while the east and west cottages were previously in use as holiday lets.

It also said the “remote setting, historical character, and views over the sea and nearby Noss National Nature Reserve make the site attractive for those seeking solitude, inspiration, or a connection with Shetland’s natural and cultural environment”.

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