Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse and Museum

Overview

Explore a fine castle turned lighthouse. Built for the Fraser family in the 1500s, Kinnaird Head was altered in 1787 to contain the first lighthouse built by the Northern Lighthouse Board.

The Kinnaird Head site is managed independently by the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and Historic Scotland members do not presently receive free entry to the site.

The lantern is still in working order and the lighthouse remains much as its last crew left it. A small, unmanned light nearby now fulfils the role of beacon, however.

What to see and do

Enjoy a good climb to the top of Stevenson’s spiral staircase
Stand beside the lantern and stare out at the rocky coastline and stormy North Sea over which it served as a beacon
Look into the silvered copper parabolic bowls of the lantern, once lit by burning oil from the head of the sperm whale
Take a short walk to The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses to discover the secrets of Scotland’s lighthouses

A view of the light room at Kinnaird Head Lighthouse.

A view of the spiral stair inside Kinnaird Head Lighthouse.

A general view of Kinnaird Head Lighthouse.

The engine room at Kinnaird Head Lighthouse and Museum.

The lighthouse keeper’s house and village at Kinnaird Head.

Opening times

1 Apr to 30 Sept:
Daily, 10am to 5pm
Last entry 4pm

24 Jan to 31 March
Daily, for guided lighthouse tours only

1 Oct to 24 Jan:
Closed

The Kinnaird Head site is managed independently by the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and Historic Scotland members do not presently receive free entry to the site.

Please note, the wine tower is closed for conservation.

Check for closures