Dunnet Head Lighthouse

30/08/2026

Had a wonderful time looking round our local lifeboat "The Taylors" at the RNLI Open Day in Thurso last weekend. Her sister boat "Helen Comrie" was visiting from Longhope on Orkney so it was a rare opportunity to look inside this vessel too. The Pentland Firth is one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world and the brave RNLI volunteer crews do such a fantastic job rescuing commercial ships, yachts, windsurfers, paddleboarders - and even the occasional dog! We are so lucky to have them. Thank you to the crew members who showed us round and shared what it is like when they are called "Out on a Shout".

23/07/2026

It's been a bumper year for orchids at the lighthouse. The main type we get here is the Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella). It has been too dry for them recently - that certainly hasn't been a problem this year! No mowing at the lighthouse until they set seed and hopefully multiply. 🙂

07/06/2026

Although it's a bit blustery and rainy in Caithness today, we've had some glorious weather recently. The hillsides around the lighthouse are filled with the cheery sight of wild primroses (Primula vulgaris).

25/05/2026

Have you ever dreamed of working as a lighthouse keeper? The Northern Lighthouse Board is looking for a retained keeper to take care of three iconic Scottish lighthouses - Ardnamurchan, Corran Point and Rubha Nan Gall, all set amid stunning west coast scenery. Closing date is 5 June. Good luck!

We're Hiring - Retained Lightkeeper (RLK), Ardnamurchan

We’re recruiting for a Retained Lightkeeper to help maintain three lighthouses -Ardnamurchan, Corran Point and Rubha Nan Gall.

This part-time position will involve carrying out routine inspections and maintenance of the stations as well as responding to malfunctions to keep the lighthouses operational.

If you live locally, are computer literate, physically fit (you’ll have regular medical assessments), and in possession of a full UK driving licence with regular access to a suitable vehicle, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply by 5 June. See our website for details https://www.nlb.org.uk/vacancies/retained-lighthouse-keeper-ardnamurchan/

Ardnamurchan Lighthouse & Visitor Centre

26/04/2026

The light nights are on their way at last - yaaay! Looking towards Dunnet Head at 10pm.

25/01/2026

Wow, just wow! This week's aurora was stunning. The most powerful geomagnetic storm since 2003 produced a beautiful array of greens and reds clearly visible to the naked eye. We often get a pale green shimmering curtain of aurora here in the far north, but red is more unusual.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year - Bliadhna Mhath Ùr - from Dunnet Head Lighthouse. We would like to wish our guests and facebook followers a joyful and peaceful 2026. Many thanks for all your lovely comments in our guestbooks throughout the year - we really do appreciate every one. 🙂

22/09/2025

Always keep your eyes peeled when walking along the shore - you never know what you might find! A local beachcomber recently came across this beautiful button from a lighthouse keeper's jacket. The Latin inscription "Salutem omnium" translates as "For the Safety of All" and is the motto of both the Northern Lighthouse Board and the Commissioners of Irish Lights. What a great find!

24/08/2025

Did you know that bog cotton (Eriophorum angustifiloium) was used as a wound dressing during World War 1? The fluffy seed heads are highly absorbant and naturally antiseptic, making them ideal in combating bacterial infection. This is the view across Loch Burifa, just below the lighthouse.

30/07/2025

Dunnet Head Lighthouse was once again sponsoring the piping competition at Halkirk Highland Games. We had a fab day sitting in the sun and watching the thrilling battle for Best Overall Senior Piper. The title was taken by David Stulpner, who was visiting from Perth, Australia.