Museums & Galleries · Aberdeenshire
Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
📍 AB43 9DU
Photo: valenta (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
- First lighthouse on mainland Scotland, dating from 1787
- Full-size lighthouse built through a 16th century castle
- Guided tours exploring lighthouse keepers' history and engineering
- Museum tells the story of the Northern Lighthouse Board
- Gift shop selling lighthouse-themed products and guidebooks
The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses sits in the fishing port of Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, built around Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, the very first lighthouse on mainland Scotland, dating from 1787. Remarkably, the lighthouse was constructed right through the middle of a 16th century castle, and you can explore the site with trained guides who bring to life the skill and courage of the keepers and engineers behind it. It suits anyone curious about maritime heritage, engineering or Scottish history, and there's a shop for souvenirs. The upper galleries are reached by stair lift, though the historic tower involves 72 steps. With 11 bookable places to stay within 5 miles on BritStays, it's a convenient stop for a longer break exploring this part of Aberdeenshire.
Practical details
- Accessibility
- Upper galleries reached by stair lift; castle tower has 72 steps and is not fully accessib
- Parking
- Parking and coach parking available on site
- Booking
- Museum Only ticket available for those unable to climb steps
- Best for
- Visitors interested in maritime history and engineering, including school groups
From the attraction's own website on 27 Sep 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Gift Shop
- ✓ Guided Tours
Visitor reviews
No reviews yet — been here? Be the first to share what it's like.
Log in or create a free account to write a review.
Do you own or manage Museum of Scottish Lighthouses?
Claim this listing to respond to reviews and keep your information up to date. Verification is free — see why owners claim their listing.
Create a free account to claimPlaces to stay near Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
0.3 mi
0.4 mi
1.6 mi
2.9 mi
2.9 mi
2.9 mi
🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Museum of Scottish Lighthouses into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.