- Buchan Ness Lighthouse is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
- Red-banded tower on the Buchan coast
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Buchan Ness Lighthouse
Buchan Ness Lighthouse stands on the red sandstone cliffs at Boddam on the Aberdeenshire coast, its distinctive red-banded tower a landmark of the Buchan coast. Built by the Stevenson family for the Northern Lighthouse Board, it remains an operational aid to navigation.
The story of Buchan Ness Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built in 1827 by Robert Stevenson for the Northern Lighthouse Board and first lit on 4 May 1827, marking the easternmost headland of mainland Scotland and the dangerous reefs off Boddam. The 35-metre tower was constructed from granite and topped with a distinctive red band to serve as a daymark, a feature added to improve its visibility against the cliffs. The lighthouse was electrified in 1978 and automated in 1988, when the last keepers were withdrawn after 161 years of continuous manning. The Northern Lighthouse Board continues to maintain the light.
Visiting with care
The lighthouse stands on the clifftop at Boddam and can be viewed from the coastal path and the surrounding village, though the tower itself is not open to the public. The nearby Bullers of Buchan, a collapsed sea cave forming a dramatic blowhole, is one of the finest cliff features on the Aberdeenshire coast and makes a rewarding extension to a visit.
Interesting facts
- Built in 1827 by Robert Stevenson for the Northern Lighthouse Board.
- The 35-metre tower features distinctive red bands as a daymark.
- It marks the easternmost headland of mainland Scotland.
- Electrified in 1978 and automated in 1988 after 161 years of manning.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.