In brief
A 42-year-old Scottish man, Sandy Duthie, has fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a lighthouse keeper on Gabo Island, a tranquil spot off the coast of Victoria, Australia. Sandy's journey began years ago when he visited Australia with his partner and fell in love with the island's unique beauty.
After the previous keeper retired after 25 years, Sandy jumped at the chance to apply for the position. Originally from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, he studied ecology at the University of Aberdeen before moving to Australia five years ago. Sandy visited Gabo Island two years prior and envisioned himself taking care of its historic lighthouse, which was built over 160 years ago.Now, he shares responsibilities with another keeper in a month-on, month-off rotation, surrounded by a diverse range of wildlife, including a colony of little penguins, seals, and passing whales. Sandy commutes via a small charter boat that takes approximately 30 minutes, weather permitting. Sandy describes his job more as a lifestyle choice than a traditional work role. With tasks ranging from weather monitoring to maintenance duties, he learns to adapt to the island's unpredictable nature. Despite some feelings of isolation, the unique aspects of island life keep him engaged. His enlightening discoveries about the Scottish heritage linked to the lighthouse's construction have deepened his connection to the land.With the challenges of living on a secluded island, Sandy embraces the rhythm of his new life, declaring it “100% a dream job.”
