Buchan Ness Lighthouse

Standing on a rocky headland near the village of Boddam, just south of Peterhead, Buchan Ness Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive beacons on Scotland’s northeast coast. Designed by the legendary engineer Robert Stevenson and first illuminated in 1827, the lighthouse was built in response to growing concerns about shipwrecks along this hazardous stretch of coastline. Today, its striking white tower with broad red bands remains a familiar landmark for sailors navigating the North Sea. One of the most interesting facts about Buchan Ness is its pioneering role in lighthouse technology. It is believed to have been one of the first lighthouses in Scotland to display a flashing light rather than a fixed beam, helping mariners distinguish it from other nearby navigation aids. The distinctive red band, added in 1907, was designed to make the lighthouse easily recognisable during daylight hours. The granite tower stands approximately 35 metres high and contains 166 steps leading to the lantern room. Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone numerous improvements, including the introduction of powerful lenses, electrification, and eventually full automation in 1988. During the Second World War, the station even survived damage caused by a drifting mine that exploded nearby, shattering windows and damaging buildings but causing no injuries.