1871 - 1988 the lighthouse was built to warn ships of the rocks that lye along the Marsden and Whitburn Coastline. Before the lighthouse was built there was over 100 ships wrecked on the rocks that stretch along the Marsden and Whitburn coastline.

Souter was the first lighthouse in the world to be built using an alternating electric current that operates the revolving light and produces a 800,000 candle power light, which can shine across the coastline for appoximately 19.7 sea miles.

The lighthouse and the surrounding land is currently owned by the National Trust, there are guided tours carried out throughout the day for visitors to the lighthouse.

Outside the lighthouse grounds is home to a science garden for children to come and try there hand at gardening tools are provided to use and children can dig and plant up their own little gardens.