The lighthouse built despite repeated rejections from Trinity House: Rattray Head lighthouse. The tower was originally proposed by engineer Alan Stevenson in 1851, however, the lighthouse’s construction was postponed repeatedly due to skepticism over its necessity. I visited the lighthouse in September 2023, and was blown away by its beauty.
Rattray Head Lighthouse’s History
Early experiments were undertaken in 1857 and 1862 to mark the dangerous Rattray Briggs reef, using light from the nearby Buchan Ness lighthouse. These proved unsuccessful. In 1874, the idea resurfaced but was rejected by Trinity House, citing navigational alternatives such as a bell buoy. Several more proposals, often initiated by mariners and local fishermen, were also turned down due to a lack of funds and perceived need. Finally, by 1890, the strong support of ship owners convinced the Board of Trade to authorise its construction, bypassing Trinity House’s prior objections.
Construction began in 1892, and the lighthouse was completed in 1895. It was notable for featuring a first-class siren fog signal—the first of its kind in a rock lighthouse. Its delayed build was primarily due to failed experiments, funding issues, and reluctance from key regulatory bodies, resulting in a nearly 46-year gap between initial proposal and final construction.
My Visit to Rattray Head Lighthouse
Last September I went on ‘The Great Scottish Lighthouse Trip of 2023’, travelling to 10 different lighthouses around the coast of Scotland.
Rattray Head lighthouse was the fifth lighthouse of the trip, over 650 miles from our Portsmouth starting point. As we drove along the narrow road to the lighthouse, the daylight began to dim. We had been hoping to squeeze in a third lighthouse after seeing Rattray Head, but time didn’t appear to be on our side.
We arrived at the end of the road, with tall sand dunes blocking the view of the sea and lighthouse. After deciding that we would probably have to wild camp somewhere nearby, we wandered through the sand dunes to find the lighthouse.
This spot felt magical as we explored the sand dunes. It was quiet aside from wind whistling through the long grass, and waves crashing on the beach. We walked for around ten minutes, and finally there it was.
The lighthouse. Sitting just offshore, this lighthouse was completely covered in seabirds. At low tide, you can walk up to the lighthouse and the beach is a very gentle slope to the water’s edge.
Around 100 metres from the beach, there was a grassy flat area perfect for wild camping. Sand dunes surrounded the area, and helped to shield us from the wind. From our tent, you could still see the lighthouse emerging from the waves, and throughout the night its flashes lit up the tent.
We played boules along the beach, and when the sun ducked down we ate dinner alongside the lighthouse. That night felt beautifully calm and still; it was the best wild camping spot of the whole trip by far.
In the morning, we ferried our things back to the car and left. I’ll never forget Rattray Head lighthouse, and the magical time we spent there.
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