In brief
In a remarkable turn of fate, Sandy Duthie has stepped into his dream position as a lighthouse keeper on the picturesque Gabo Island, Australia.
Gabo Island, off the coast of Victoria, has welcomed Sandy Duthie, a 42-year-old Scot from Aberdeenshire, who jumped at the chance to become the lighthouse keeper after the retirement of the previous keeper, Leo op den Brouw, who had held the position for over two decades. Having visited Australia five years prior, Sandy discovered a deep connection to the island and envisioned one day becoming its caretaker.Sandy is on a unique rotation, spending half the year on the island with a month of duties followed by a month off. He shares this remote lifestyle with a colony of adorable little penguins and monitors various wildlife, including whales, sea eagles, and seals, making each day an immersive experience in nature.His journey led him to this dream role after initially visiting Gabo Island two years ago for weed control work. Sandy shared that upon first arriving, he felt an immediate sense of belonging, comparing the island's foliage to the rugged terrain of Scotland's northeast. He credits serendipity for landing his new position, stating that opportunities like this are rare.The lighthouse he now oversees boasts a history that spans over 160 years. Getting to and from Gabo Island requires a small boat charter which, weather permitting, takes about 30 minutes. Sandy's duties are diverse and involve tasks ranging from weather observations to maintaining the lighthouse and the surrounding property amidst the challenges of salty air.Sandy describes life on Gabo Island as a unique lifestyle where expectations must adapt to the unexpected nature of island living. While he appreciates the solitude and the beauty around him, he also acknowledges moments of isolation when weather prevents him from leaving.Interestingly, he found connections to his Scottish roots during his time on the island, discovering that many of the lighthouse caretakers throughout the years have been Scottish, highlighting the island’s rich history.Despite the challenges and isolations that come with his dream job, Sandy views this opportunity as a perfect fit for him, a mix of solitude, nature, and history that he cherishes deeply. This incredible story showcases Sandy's successes in fulfilling his dream while also uncovering connections to his past along the way.
