Sandy Duthie, a former arborist from Aberdeenshire, creates a new life on the island while sharing unique wildlife experiences.
**Scottish Man Lands Dream Lighthouse Keeper Role on Remote Australian Island**
**Scottish Man Lands Dream Lighthouse Keeper Role on Remote Australian Island**
A Scotsman fulfills his lifelong dream by taking the lighthouse keeper position on Gabo Island, Australia.
As a new lighthouse keeper on Gabo Island off the coast of Victoria, Sandy Duthie, 42, has fulfilled a long-held dream. The Scottish native seized the opportunity after the previous caretaker retired from a quarter-century of service. Sandy’s journey began five years ago, when he visited Australia with his partner, Brodie Gaudion, for family connections and decided to stay.
Living in the lighthouse caretaker role means Sandy now spends alternating months on the island, where he is accompanied by a colony of little penguins and witnesses passing whales. His strong affinity for Gabo Island began two years ago when he conducted weed control there during a brief visit.
Previously an arborist with a background in ecology, Sandy hails from Kirkton of Durris, near Banchory. He first learned of the lighthouse’s open position when speaking with the long-time keeper, Leo op den Brouw, who spent the last 25 years alone on the island every other month before desiring to return to family life. The unique job was rarely available, making Sandy’s timing fortuitous.
The Australian government agency Parks Victoria now employs him in a role that balances maintenance tasks with nature observation. Facing unpredictable weather, Sandy travels to and from the island by small boat, which can be a challenging journey.
Reflecting on Gabo Island's environment, Sandy describes the foliage and ecosystem as reminiscent of Scotland’s rugged landscapes. "It felt like home immediately,” he said, praising the diverse wildlife that includes sea eagles and seals. His responsibility extends beyond maintenance—Sandy also enjoys problem-solving in the fluctuating rhythm of island life.
Despite the idyllic scenery, the position does come with challenges such as isolation during inclement weather. Sandy candidly reveals that at times it feels like being trapped on “Alcatraz,” particularly when weather prevents him from reaching the mainland. However, he finds solace in his duties, which allow him to dictate the flow of his day.
Moreover, Sandy uncovered intriguing historical connections between the island and Scotland, learning that many of its past lighthouse keepers were also Scottish. The granite used in the lighthouse was similar to that of lighthouses in his homeland, suggesting a shared craftsmanship.
In his own words, Sandy proclaims the lighthouse keeper role to be “100% a dream job,” embodying the essence of a journey marked by unanticipated opportunities and a quest for adventure.
Living in the lighthouse caretaker role means Sandy now spends alternating months on the island, where he is accompanied by a colony of little penguins and witnesses passing whales. His strong affinity for Gabo Island began two years ago when he conducted weed control there during a brief visit.
Previously an arborist with a background in ecology, Sandy hails from Kirkton of Durris, near Banchory. He first learned of the lighthouse’s open position when speaking with the long-time keeper, Leo op den Brouw, who spent the last 25 years alone on the island every other month before desiring to return to family life. The unique job was rarely available, making Sandy’s timing fortuitous.
The Australian government agency Parks Victoria now employs him in a role that balances maintenance tasks with nature observation. Facing unpredictable weather, Sandy travels to and from the island by small boat, which can be a challenging journey.
Reflecting on Gabo Island's environment, Sandy describes the foliage and ecosystem as reminiscent of Scotland’s rugged landscapes. "It felt like home immediately,” he said, praising the diverse wildlife that includes sea eagles and seals. His responsibility extends beyond maintenance—Sandy also enjoys problem-solving in the fluctuating rhythm of island life.
Despite the idyllic scenery, the position does come with challenges such as isolation during inclement weather. Sandy candidly reveals that at times it feels like being trapped on “Alcatraz,” particularly when weather prevents him from reaching the mainland. However, he finds solace in his duties, which allow him to dictate the flow of his day.
Moreover, Sandy uncovered intriguing historical connections between the island and Scotland, learning that many of its past lighthouse keepers were also Scottish. The granite used in the lighthouse was similar to that of lighthouses in his homeland, suggesting a shared craftsmanship.
In his own words, Sandy proclaims the lighthouse keeper role to be “100% a dream job,” embodying the essence of a journey marked by unanticipated opportunities and a quest for adventure.
