The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses

Discover the skill, dedication, science and romance of Scotland’s Lighthouses in the only dedicated museum in the United Kingdom.

In the company of our friendly guides, climb the 72 steps up the first lighthouse in Scotland. The view from the top, accross the Moray Firth, is spectacular. After your tour, relax in our sea view cafe and shop.

The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses was created in 1995 to tell the unique story of the development of the lighthouse service in Scotland and its effects world wide. Decommissioned in 1991, and maintained for the nation, with the support of Historic Scotland and the Scottish Lighthouse Museum Trust, the original lighthouse and engine room are now preserved as they were the day the last keeper left.

Additional info

There is access for visitors with disabilities at the new Museum building, although limited restrictions apply to the historic lighthouse and the lighthouse tour. Adapted toilet facilities are located adjacent to main entrance. A chair lift is available to all upper levels in the Museum. Access to the café located on upper level can be gained using the chair lift. No dogs allowed in the Museum except guide dogs.

Education Packs / School Loan Boxes: The museum provides free of charge special boxes of loan material for use by schools visiting the Museum. Loan boxes are by request and are available for a month either before or after a visit. Education packs designed by the Museum are available upon request to students. Please telephone (01346) 511022 for details and to reserve your loan box.

Museum Cafe & Shop: Enjoy good food from a simple coffee to a satisfying meal in our café with panoramic views of the Kinnaird Head Lighthouse and the Buchan Coastline. The café offers a selection of hot and cold meals, cakes and refreshments throughout the day. The Café opens one half hour after Museum opens and closes on half hour before the Museum closes.

The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses boasts a unique nationally Recognised collection of lighthouse lenses and equipment in the U.K.
The Museum tells the story of the Stevenson family, lighthouse engineers to the world, the story of the lighthouse service in Scotland and the Keepers and their families who manned the Scottish lighthouses.

Collection details

Archives, Maritime, Personalities, Science and Technology, Social History

Key artists and exhibits

• Lighthouse lenses and equipment.
• Archives from lighthouses
• Photographs of lighthouses

Getting there

By Road
Follow signs to Fraserburgh and then follow brown signs to Scottish Lighthouse Museum.

By Public Transport
At the moment there is a regular bus service from Aberdeen. This is operated by Stagecoach Bluebird with a service number of 267/268 or X67/X68. There is no regular service from Inverness.