The first lighthouse to be built on mainland Scotland was engineered by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the author Robert Louis Stevenson.
He drove a foundation, walls and spiral staircase through a castle to complete it in 1824.
Though its lantern is no longer operational and a small unmanned light has taken its place, Kinnaird Head lighthouse is still standing proud on the storm-battered, wave-ravaged and notoriously hazardous coast off Fraserburgh.
As a welcome beacon to ships at risk off the headland, this lighthouse has undoubtedly saved many lives, and remains a potent symbol of the skill, courage, technical genius and brilliant organisation behind the Northern Lighthouse Board, which created it.
All of this is celebrated in the purpose-built Museum of Scottish Lighthouses that stands alongside.
The lighthouse remains much as the last crew left it, and visitors can enjoy a good climb to the top of Stevenson’s spiral staircase.
They might also enjoy dropping in on another tribute to Scotland’s most famous lighthouse engineer, Stevenson’s Tea Room – where they will find no storms in their teacup.
Kinnaird Head Lighthouse is a potent symbol of the Board’s skill, courage, technical genius and organisation
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