In brief
Sandy Duthie has landed his ideal job as a lighthouse keeper on Gabo Island, Australia, after a chance retirement opened the position. Adapting to life surrounded by wildlife and remote conditions, he cherishes his connection to both nature and the island's history.
Sandy Duthie, a 42-year-old from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has embraced his "dream job" as a lighthouse keeper on the remote Gabo Island, located off the coast of Victoria, Australia. The opportunity arose when the previous keeper, Leo op den Brouw, retired after 25 years of solitary duty on the island. Two years prior, Sandy had visited the island and immediately felt a connection, deciding that he would love to return as its caretaker someday.Having originally come to Australia five years ago on a holiday visa with his partner, he decided to settle in after the initial visit. Now, he spends six months a year on Gabo Island, alternating one month on and one month off, where he enjoys the company of a colony of little penguins and experiences stunning wildlife including whales and sea eagles.Sandy has a background in ecology from the University of Aberdeen and previously worked as an arborist. His role requires him to adapt to the unpredictable nature of island life, where plans can quickly change due to weather conditions. He performs various tasks including weather observations and maintenance work, which is critical given the island's humid and salty environment.Despite the remote challenges—from running low on supplies if weather delays boats to the isolation that can sometimes feel stifling—Sandy finds joy in the uniqueness of his position. He appreciates the opportunity to design his own daily routine and the tranquility that comes with the solitude, although social interactions with his partner and occasional visits from others are a welcome break.Interestingly, Sandy discovered during his tenure that many of the island's previous caretakers were also from Scotland, with connections to the pink granite used for the lighthouse construction over 160 years ago. This shared heritage has deepened his appreciation for his role, making it more than just a job but a link to both Gabo Island's history and his roots.Sandy concludes that being a lighthouse keeper is, without a doubt, a dream job for him, blending his love of nature with a significant piece of heritage.
