Kinnaird Head Lighthouse: An Illustrated History

The Kinnaird Head Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the world built into a castle. It was originally constructed in 1571 by Sir Alexander Fraser and was saved from ruin in 1787 by the Northern Lighthouse Board. It has been Scotlands most visited lighthouse since 1995.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2019
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

On the promontory of Kinnaird Head, situated on the northeastern coast of Scotland, stands a peculiarly designed lighthouse that holds a unique place in history. It stands as an exception, being the only lighthouse in the world to be constructed within a castle. Originally built in 1571 by Sir Alexander Fraser, the castle towered over his new town of Fraserburgh, casting a shadow over Scotland's forgotten university. For two centuries, this small tower served as a residence for lairds, lords, and Jacobites, until it was abandoned in 1750. However, its fortunes were reversed in 1787 when the newly formed Northern Lighthouse Board transformed it into their inaugural Scottish lighthouse. Throughout its history, the site has been visited by every Stevenson engineer, leaving their mark on its architecture. A constant watch of keepers ensured the light flashed for 200 years, until automation in 1991 led to a second abandonment. Yet, the lighthouse made a remarkable transition once again, evolving into a museum. Since 1995, it has been Scotland's most visited lighthouse, frozen in time as a testament to the manned lighthouses of old.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 234 x 168 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445682518