Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Photo: ED McIntosh, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Watty62, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sagaciousphil, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Inverurie, 31.6 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Guided tours via Museum of Scottish Lighthouses; Wine Tower closed
Pinpoint
Castle Terrace, Fraserburgh AB43 9DU
Telephone 01346 511022
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
A 16th-century tower house that was converted into a working lighthouse in 1787, reportedly the only castle in Scotland to have been repurposed this way, and now forms the centrepiece of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh. Access is by guided tour only, taking in the lighthouse mechanism and a climb up the spiral stair to the lamp room.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The climb to the top of the lighthouse, where reviewers consistently rate the view out over Fraserburgh and the coast as the highlight of the tour.
Before you go
Book in as part of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses visit rather than expecting to walk up independently - the Wine Tower nearby is currently closed, and the guided tour is the only way to see inside the lighthouse itself.
What visitors say
Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse reviews · 4.7 / 5 across 126 Google reviews
Reviewers are near-unanimous in enjoying the unusual combination of castle and working lighthouse, with the guided tour and knowledgeable guides consistently singled out as a highlight, alongside the adjoining Museum of Scottish Lighthouses.
The climb to the top for panoramic sea views and the on-site cafe also get repeated praise, with no complaints raised.
“A fab couple of hours at the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. Finished with a tour of the Castle Lighthouse guided by the knowledgeable Michael Strachen. A great day out with some fantastic views from the top of the…”- Martin Handsley, visitor review
History
Sir Alexander Fraser, 8th laird of Philorth · 1570
Built in 1570 as a fortified tower house by a laird who established the royal burgh of Fraserburgh nearby, the castle served its original purpose for two centuries. Converted to Scotland's first lighthouse in 1787, it now houses the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and showcases the building's dual heritage as fortress and beacon.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “Fab museum very interesting and the guided tour around the lighthouse was brilliant , sorry can't remember the female guides name but she was really good .” - Annmarie Clark
- Facilities
- “Had lunch in museum cafe after, excellent food and service .” - Annmarie Clark
Common questions about Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse
Where is Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse?
Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at Castle Terrace, Fraserburgh AB43 9DU.
How do you visit Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse?
Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. Because the dates are restricted, check the official site and book ahead before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse?
The climb to the top of the lighthouse, where reviewers consistently rate the view out over Fraserburgh and the coast as the highlight of the tour.
Is Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse a ruin or still intact?
Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse is largely intact - Guided tours via Museum of Scottish Lighthouses; Wine Tower closed.
