Glentower Lower Observatory

In 1887, Mr Milne Home, then Chairman of the Council of the Scottish Meteorological Society, pointed out the singular advantages of Ben Nevis as a high level station. It is the highest mountain in the British Islands 4406 ft. Its summit is, in horizontal distance, about 4 miles from a sea level station at Fort William, and is situated in the track of the south west storms from the Atlantic, which exercise such a preponderating influence on the weather of Europe, especially in autumn and winter. Its advantages are therefore unique, and observations made there have proved to be of the greatest interest and value to meteorology.

The Observatory on the summit was opened by Mrs Cameron Campbell on 17 October, 1883. Observations were begun in the following month. At the same time, a sea level station was opened at the public school, Fort William under charge of Mr C Livingston, where comparison readings were taken 5 times a day with great punctuality and accuracy. But a few years showed the necessity of having a continuous record at sea level as well as on the summit and in 1889, the directors resolved to carry out the original plan, which want of funds had hitherto prevented, and set up a Low Level Observatory.

Aided by a grant from the Edinburgh Exhibition of 1886, and contributions from the public, they were able to erect a suitable building close to sea level for a total cost of £1200, on ground feued from Mr Cameron of Lochiel in the beginning of 1890. The Low Level Observatory (now Glentower Lower Observatory) was constructed using Elgin granite which was shipped from Elgin on the Moray Firth, via Loch Ness through the Caledonian Canal and Neptune’s Staircase into Loch Linnhe and off loaded here. The Meteorological Council of London equipped this station with self recording instruments.

Observations began in the middle of July 1890 and continued until 1904, when funding became an issue. During that time there was a continuous record of barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, rainfall, etc, by day and by night, both on the summit of Ben Nevis and at sea level. The telegraph wire from the summit has been extended to the Low Level Observatory, and the observers can communicate with each other at any time, and reports from both stations are sent daily to the newspapers.

Glentower Lower Observatory, Fort William PH33 6RQ Scotland 
Tel: +0044 (0)1397 704007

eMail: stay@glentower.com