Completed in 1874, the 44-metre-high (144 ft) tower is constructed of tapered granite and was designed by David and Thomas Stevenson.

Constructed of granite blocks forming a tapered tower, with a lantern room and single gallery, it was designed by the two brothers, David and Thomas of the Stevenson lighthouse engineering family.

At the same time as overseeing this project, they were also involved in the building of the lighthouse on Dubh Artach in Scotland.

[3] The relief boat from Port St Mary finally got through to the men three weeks overdue and they were able to get home on leave.

The three lighthouse keepers, one of whom suffered burns from the fire, were rescued by the Port St Mary RNLI lifeboat.