In brief
Sandy Duthie, a Scottish native, secures a unique lighthouse keeper position on Gabo Island, blending ecological passion with the enchanting wildlife of the remote Australian coastline.
Sandy Duthie, a 42-year-old from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has found his dream role as a lighthouse keeper on Gabo Island, a remote part of Victoria, Australia. This remarkable opportunity arose when the previous keeper, having devoted 25 years to the island, decided to retire. Sandy, who had come to Australia five years prior, immediately felt a connection to the area and the historic lighthouse.Having studied ecology at the University of Aberdeen and worked as an arborist, Sandy's passion for nature was evident early on. He initially traveled to Australia in 2019 with his partner, Brodie Gaudion, and after falling in love with the landscape, chose to remain. Two years later, he finally set foot on Gabo Island and envisioned a life intertwined with its history and rugged beauty.Sandy's rotation as caretaker involves six months living on the island, one month on duty followed by one month off. His delightful companions include a thriving colony of little penguins, along with whales and sea eagles frequently passing by. Sandy, distinguished by his sizeable beard, started his new role earlier in March, sharing duties with another keeper who has been on the island for 16 years.Describing Gabo Island as reminiscent of Scotland’s northern landscapes, Sandy quickly adapted to the lifestyle, which demands a flexible approach. With tasks ranging from weather monitoring to maintenance duties, every day presents unexpected challenges, keeping Sandy on his toes. However, he enjoys the rhythmic solitude and natural beauty despite occasional feelings of isolation, especially when poor weather conditions limit boat access to the mainland.Despite the solitude, he finds joy in the freedom to dictate his daily routine, while also navigating the realities of living in such a remote location. He observes that occasionally stepping back into town can be overwhelming after prolonged solitude.As Sandy immerses himself in island life, he discovered intriguing historical ties between Scotland and Gabo Island. He learned that Scottish stonemasons were instrumental in the construction of the lighthouse in the late 1800s, reinforcing his deep connection to this unique place.With an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking views as his backdrop, Sandy Duthie is not only living his dream but also carrying forward the legacy of those who came before him—a dream job indeed, with a profound connection to nature and history.
