Scotland’s Fortress Lighthouse

Erected within a 450-year-old castle, Kinnaird Head Lighthouse in Fraserburgh was the very first lighthouse built on mainland Scotland and today functions as the location for The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses.

Legendary beginnings

Positioned on the tip of a headland overlooking the vast, awe-inspiring expanse of the North Sea, this blustery spot was originally home to Kinnaird Head Castle.

Built in the 16th Century, the castle was designed to demonstrate the Fraser family’s dominance and power over the new town they were planning – Fraserburgh.

Built by Sir Alexander Fraser, 8th laird of Philorth, the castle was set to be his legacy, and was a chance to highlight his family’s commitment to the protection of the surrounding lands.

However what started as a legacy later turned into Sir Alexander’s curse. The cost of developing the castle bankrupted the 8th laird, who had to sell his family home of Philorth Castle to ensure the future survival of his family.

The loss of the Frasers’ original family home of Philorth Castle was finally put right over 300 years later, when the castle was purchased by one of Sir Alexander’s descendants. It is now safely back in family hands.

Let there be light

As times changed, so did the requirement for a castle. Kinnaird Head Castle and its accompanying buildings were sold to the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1787.

Initially a giant lamp was positioned on the top of the castle’s roof, however structural problems became apparent and it was then that Robert Stevenson, of the renowned Stevenson engineering family, carefully constructed a permanent lighthouse structure, which was built within the confines of the existing castle walls in 1824.

Engineering a day out

With a new lease of life, the lighthouse now acts as The Museum of Scotland’s Lighthouses. Those planning a trip to the site can roam the castle grounds, share in the wonder of the lighthouse structure, and spend time learning about the lifestyle and courage of the lighthouse keepers who managed the building for almost 200 years.

Inside, the museum is home to the largest collection of lighthouse equipment in the UK, which includes a nationally recognised collection of glass lenses from lighthouses across Scotland.

Guided tours of the buildings and museum allow history enthusiasts to get a real sense of the building’s prominence, legacy and design. The Lighthouse Tea Room offers those with tired feet a chance to take in the breathtaking landscape and architecture while sampling a selection of locally-sourced food and drink.

And nearby…

Fraserburgh Heritage Centre is just down the road and provides an opportunity to find out more about the development of Fraserburgh as a fishing town, as well as its role as the first RNLI Lifeboat Station in Scotland. Well suited for families, there are activities for children located throughout the centre.

Further afield, visitors to the North East can find Fraserburgh Waters of Philorth Beach. Considered one of the region’s best, the beach is in receipt of a coveted Blue Flag Award and is named after the nature reserve that runs along the back of the beach. Here, keen wildlife lovers can spot a range of waders, wildfowl and seabirds.

To find out more visit www.lighthousemuseum.org.uk

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