Built in 1858 by Thomas and David Stevenson the 53ft tower of Bressay lighthouse has since that time guarded the south mouth of Lerwick Harbour.

David Stevenson claimed that building any lighthouse in Shetland waters was well nigh impossible as it was too dangerous and too expensive. He even claimed that "any ship which took this route must be mad." Impossible or not the construction was completed by the firm of Alex Wilson for the sum of £2324 15s and 5d with an additional £30 12s each for the reflector panels and £218 10s for the machinery. These costs may be put into perspective when one realises that the first Head Lightkeeper earned the princely sum of £53 per year.

The light, two white flashes every 20 seconds, is visible for up to 23 nautical miles. The foghorn (two blast every 90 seconds) was very much a part of Lerwick life in foggy conditions till it was discontinued in 1987.

The light was automated in 1988 thus leaving the surrounding buildings empty until their recent renovation.