In brief
A Scottish man has embarked on what he describes as his "dream job"—serving as a lighthouse keeper on Gabo Island, a remote piece of land off Victoria's coast. Sandy Duthie, hailing from Aberdeenshire, seized the moment to apply when the prior keeper retired after dedicating 25 years to the role. Sandy's love for Australia blossomed five years ago when he visited the country with his partner, where he soon realized he wanted to immerse himself in Gabo Island's rich history.
Sandy began his impressive role after a two-year dream of becoming the island's caretaker. Officially employed by the Parks Victoria organization, he spends alternating months on the island, allowing for an intriguing connection with its wildlife, including a thriving colony of little penguins. His journey to this position began back in 2019 when he visited Australia and fell in love with the natural beauty of Gabo Island. The island is home to breathtaking wildlife, such as seals, sea eagles, and a variety of whales that frequently pass by.His days on the island are dynamic, involving a variety of maintenance tasks such as weather monitoring, general upkeep of the lighthouse, and sanitation duties. Despite the isolation, Sandy finds solace in his setting, cherishing the quietude but also acknowledging the challenges, like limited access to supplies and the realities of being cut off due to bad weather. He enjoys the peacefulness of his job, often referring to it as aligned with his love for nature, while discovering the surprising historical connections between Scottish craftsmen and the island.Sandy embraces this new lifestyle wholeheartedly, thankful for the opportunity, and firmly considering it to be a dream come true.
