Sandy Duthie's journey from Aberdeenshire to becoming the caretaker of Gabo Island's historic lighthouse in Australia is a story of chance, love, and passion for nature that beautifully intertwines personal aspirations and professional commitments.
Scottish Man Realizes Dream as Lighthouse Keeper on Gabo Island
Scottish Man Realizes Dream as Lighthouse Keeper on Gabo Island
Sandy Duthie, a 42-year-old from Aberdeenshire, takes on the role of lighthouse keeper on a remote Australian island, Gabo Island, fulfilling his lifelong dream.
Sandy Duthie, a 42-year-old Scotsman, has embraced his "dream job" as a lighthouse keeper on Gabo Island, a remote locale off the coast of Victoria, Australia. The position became available when the former caretaker, Leo op den Brouw, opted to retire after an impressive 25-year tenure. Sandy, originally from Kirkton of Durris, discovered Gabo Island two years ago, finding it reminiscent of his homeland, with its vibrant wildlife and unique landscape.
Having initially traveled to Australia five years prior on a holiday visa with his partner, Brodie Gaudion, Sandy's journey took an unexpected turn when he fell in love with the island during a visit for weed control work. The lighthouse, constructed over 160 years ago, also has deep ties to Scotland, as many of the original builders were Scottish stonemasons.
Now, Sandy enjoys a month-on, month-off schedule as a lighthouse keeper, spending half the year surrounded by nature and a colony of little penguins. His responsibilities range from weather observations to maintenance tasks, challenging him to adapt to the island's unpredictable conditions. While he relishes the solitude and the freedom to manage his day, he acknowledges some days can feel insular, openly comparing experiences to living on an isolated rock.
Despite occasional struggles with connectivity and supply shortages, Sandy finds joy in his work and the extraordinary wildlife that surrounds him, routinely observing whales, sea eagles, and seals. For Sandy Duthie, this lighthouse keeper position is not just a job; it is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, a place of peace, and a connection to his Scottish roots that enriches his everyday life.
Having initially traveled to Australia five years prior on a holiday visa with his partner, Brodie Gaudion, Sandy's journey took an unexpected turn when he fell in love with the island during a visit for weed control work. The lighthouse, constructed over 160 years ago, also has deep ties to Scotland, as many of the original builders were Scottish stonemasons.
Now, Sandy enjoys a month-on, month-off schedule as a lighthouse keeper, spending half the year surrounded by nature and a colony of little penguins. His responsibilities range from weather observations to maintenance tasks, challenging him to adapt to the island's unpredictable conditions. While he relishes the solitude and the freedom to manage his day, he acknowledges some days can feel insular, openly comparing experiences to living on an isolated rock.
Despite occasional struggles with connectivity and supply shortages, Sandy finds joy in his work and the extraordinary wildlife that surrounds him, routinely observing whales, sea eagles, and seals. For Sandy Duthie, this lighthouse keeper position is not just a job; it is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, a place of peace, and a connection to his Scottish roots that enriches his everyday life.
