In brief
Sandy Duthie, a 42-year-old from Aberdeenshire, recently secured the position of lighthouse keeper on Gabo Island, located off the coast of Victoria, after the previous keeper's retirement.
With a passion for the outdoors that blossomed during his studies in ecology at the University of Aberdeen and later as an arborist, Sandy's journey to the island began when he visited Australia five years ago on a short holiday with his partner, Brodie Gaudion. They landed in Mallacoota, and Sandy fell in love with the area's charm, which led him to stay permanently.His dream solidified after a visit to Gabo Island two years ago, where he envisioned a future as its caretaker. The lighthouse, built over 160 years ago, became part of Sandy's ambition. When the long-time keeper, Leo op den Brouw, retired, Sandy seized the opportunity and began his new role with Parks Victoria in March, alternating months on and off the island.Living on the island is not without its challenges. Sandy shares the duties with another keeper, balancing tasks like weather observations, maintenance work, and cleaning facilities. His days are often unpredictable, requiring problem-solving skills due to the conditions on Gabo Island, which includes a variety of wildlife such as seals, whales, and a significant colony of little penguins.Sandy values his solitude but also recognizes the difficulties that come with extended isolation. He candidly remarks on the psychological effects of being cut off from mainland social interactions, but he proudly embraces the beauty of his surroundings, finding solace in nature. The discovery of Scottish connections to Gabo Island’s past builders enriches his experience, making his role even more poignant.The lighthouse position has become a realization of a lifelong dream for Sandy, combining the joys of nature, heritage, and a lifestyle filled with adventure and challenges.
