In brief
Sandy Duthie, originally from Aberdeenshire, has fulfilled his lifelong dream by becoming the lighthouse keeper on Gabo Island in Australia, where he shares his life with stunning wildlife and breathtaking views.
Sandy Duthie, a 42-year-old from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has secured a remarkable position as the lighthouse keeper on Gabo Island, a remote slice of paradise off Victoria's coast. The opportunity arose when the previous keeper retired after 25 years. Sandy, who initially visited Australia five years ago, found a deep connection with Gabo Island during a prior visit. Now, he spends six months a year on the island, enjoying the company of local wildlife, including a colony of penguins.Having studied ecology and worked as an arborist, Sandy’s journey took an unexpected turn when he decided to stay in Australia. He first learned about the position while working on weed control in Gabo, and the dream of becoming its caretaker never faded. His role requires flexibility, as tasks range from weather observations to general maintenance, all while adapting to the island's unpredictable nature.Although he enjoys his solitude and the thrill of the unexpected, Sandy acknowledges the challenges of isolation—like ease in communication, and occasional supply shortages due to weather disruptions. Yet, the overwhelming beauty of the island and the incredible wildlife—whales frequently pass by—make it a fulfilling existence. In a twist of fate, Sandy also discovered that many past lighthouse keepers had Scottish heritage, linking his story back to his homeland. For Sandy, every moment on Gabo Island is a blend of dream and adventure, making it truly the perfect job.
