Museum of Scottish Lighthouses at Kinnaird Head
Explore Scotland’s pioneering lighthouse heritage and enjoy breathtaking coastal views at the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh.
Located in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses offers a fascinating journey through Scotland's maritime heritage. Housed near the historic Kinnaird Head Lighthouse—the first official Scottish lighthouse dating back to 1787—the museum features engaging exhibits on lighthouse technology, history, and the lives of lighthouse keepers. Visitors can enjoy panoramic coastal views from the lighthouse tower and explore interactive galleries with dynamic lighting and sound effects.
A brief summary to Museum Of Scottish Lighthouses
- Stevenson Rd, Fraserburgh, AB43 9DU, GB
- +441346511022
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book the guided tour of Kinnaird Head Lighthouse included with your admission to experience panoramic views and historic insights.
- Visit the museum café for refreshments while enjoying magnificent sea views overlooking the North Sea.
- Allow at least 2 hours to fully explore the interactive galleries and participate in the lighthouse tour.
- Check opening hours before your visit; the museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
- Explore nearby Fraserburgh harbour and town centre to complement your museum visit with local maritime culture.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Stagecoach Buchan Express bus from Aberdeen to Fraserburgh, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Buses run multiple times daily but check schedules in advance. From the Fraserburgh bus station, the museum is about a 15-minute walk. Tickets cost around £8-£12 one way.
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Car
Driving from Aberdeen to the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses takes about 1 hour 15 minutes via the A90. Parking is available near the museum but can be limited during peak times. There is no parking fee. The route is straightforward, suitable for all vehicle types.
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Walking
If staying in Fraserburgh town centre, the museum is accessible on foot with a 15-20 minute walk over mostly flat terrain. The walk offers views of the harbour and coastal scenery. Suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility.
Museum Of Scottish Lighthouses location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Museum Of Scottish Lighthouses
A Maritime Legacy Illuminated
The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses stands as a tribute to Scotland's rich maritime history, nestled in the bustling fishing port of Fraserburgh on the northeastern coast of Aberdeenshire. This museum uniquely combines modern exhibition techniques with historic significance, telling the story of the Northern Lighthouse Board since its inception in 1786. It showcases the evolution of lighthouse engineering, the technology behind their operation, and the human stories of those who kept the lights burning through storm and calm.The Historic Kinnaird Head Lighthouse
A highlight of the museum experience is its proximity to Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, Scotland's first official lighthouse, which first shone its light in December 1787. Originally built atop a 16th-century tower house, this lighthouse remained operational until 1991. Visitors can join guided tours that climb the lighthouse tower, offering spectacular panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the North Sea. The lighthouse compound also includes the automated light that replaced the original and the now-silent foghorn, which once signaled ships in poor visibility.Engaging Exhibits and Immersive Storytelling
Within the museum's purpose-built stone building, the galleries employ dynamic lighting and sound recordings to bring the history of Scottish lighthouses to life. Exhibits include original lenses, equipment, photographs, and archival materials that illustrate the scientific and social aspects of lighthouse operation. The museum also features a café with magnificent sea views and a well-stocked shop offering books and maritime-themed goods, enhancing the visitor experience.Fraserburgh’s Coastal Context
Fraserburgh itself is a vibrant fishing town known as the largest shellfish port in Europe. The museum’s location near the harbour and the town’s historic centre enriches the visit, providing a glimpse into the community that has long depended on the sea. The town’s maritime heritage is palpable, with the harbour’s busy activity and the scenic coastal environment framing the museum.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, the museum welcomes visitors year-round. Admission includes access to the museum galleries and the lighthouse tour, making it an educational and memorable outing for all ages. The museum is accessible and offers amenities such as restrooms, a café, and seating areas. Its location near Fraserburgh’s main streets allows easy access to other local attractions and services.Preserving Scotland’s Lighthouse Heritage
The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting the history of Scotland’s coastal navigation aids. It connects visitors with the technological advances and human dedication that have safeguarded mariners for centuries. The museum’s blend of historic architecture, cutting-edge exhibit design, and stunning natural surroundings makes it a unique cultural landmark on Scotland’s northeast coast.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Plainstones (Center of Banff, UK)
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Duff House Fishing Temple
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Eden Castle
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Durn Hill - Iron Age Fort
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Barra Hill
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Balquhain Stone Circle
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Explore Balquhain Stone Circle, a rare Neolithic monument near Inverurie, revealing ancient ritual mysteries amidst Aberdeenshire’s serene landscape.
Dyce Standing Stones
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Workers' Memorial
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A solemn granite obelisk in peaceful Persley Walled Garden, honoring Aberdeen’s industrial workers who lost their lives.
Stone 45
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The Powis Gates
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Gallows Hill
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Forbes of Newe Obelisk
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Rosemount Palace
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Codona's
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Rosemount Place
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Experience the vibrant spirit of Aberdeen at Rosemount Place, a lively hub of shops, cafes, and local culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse and Museum
0.0 km
Explore Scotland’s first mainland lighthouse nestled in a 16th-century castle, where maritime history and medieval heritage meet on the rugged Fraserburgh coast.
Memsie Round Cairn
5.9 km
Explore the majestic Bronze Age Memsie Round Cairn, a monumental burial site standing strong for 4,000 years near Fraserburgh.
Pitsligo Castle
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Explore the evocative ruins of Pitsligo Castle, a historic Scottish stronghold with rich Jacobite heritage and stunning coastal views.
Rattray Head Lighthouse
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Aden Country Park
19.6 km
Explore 230 acres of natural beauty, historic ruins, and family-friendly fun at Aden Country Park in Aberdeenshire.
Gardenstown Scotland
19.9 km
Discover Gardenstown: a historic fishing village nestled on Aberdeenshire’s cliffs, where stunning coastal views meet rich maritime heritage.
Gardenstown Harbour Office
20.0 km
Explore the historical charm of Gardenstown Harbour, a serene coastal gem in Aberdeenshire, where rich maritime heritage meets breathtaking landscapes.
St. John's Church & Kirkyard
20.8 km
Historic cliffside ruins commemorating a legendary 11th-century battle with stunning coastal views near Banff.
Peterhead Prison Museum
26.2 km
Step inside Scotland’s most infamous former jail for an immersive journey through crime, punishment, and history.
Macduff Marine Aquarium
29.0 km
Discover the vibrant marine life of Scotland’s Moray Firth at Macduff Marine Aquarium, home to the UK’s only kelp reef exhibit.
Temple of Venus
30.1 km
An elegant 18th-century folly with stunning panoramic views over Banff, Macduff, and the Moray Firth coastline.
Banff beach
30.6 km
Historic Banff Bridge Beach offers serene coastal views, rich heritage, and a timeless connection between Banff and Macduff.
The Spotty Bag Shop
30.6 km
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Vanilla Ink The Smiddy
30.6 km
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Lynash Antiques
30.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Blakeshouse Lounge Bar & Restaurant
23.5 km
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The Knowes Hotel, Restaurant and Function Suite
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Bridgeview Restaurant
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Indian Garden Restaurant and Takeaway
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Market Arms
30.8 km
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Happy Palace
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Savor authentic Chinese flavors at Happy Palace in Banff - where every dish tells a story of culinary excellence.
LightHouse Fish Bar
31.0 km
Savor traditional British fish and chips with a diverse menu in Banff’s cozy and welcoming LightHouse Fish Bar.
Fife Lodge Hotel
31.4 km
Charming 3-star country house hotel in Banff with friendly service, delicious dining, and beautiful garden views near scenic beaches and golf courses.
The Kastille
32.6 km
A vibrant blend of modern dining, lively bar, and nightclub experiences in the heart of Turriff.
Rockfish
34.1 km
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Seafield Arms
34.2 km
Traditional Scottish hospitality on the Moray coast, where comfort meets genuine Highland welcome.
1236 Cave Bar at Meldrum House
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Eat On The Green
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The Cock & Bull
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Beekie's Neuk
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Friends Gift Shop
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The Wee Shoppie
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The Gift Co
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Powell's Country Store
28.6 km
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The Platform
29.8 km
Discover unique gifts, stylish fashion, and delightful café treats in Macduff’s charming old railway station turned lifestyle hub.
Co-op Food - Banff - Bridge Road
30.5 km
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Bargainland
30.8 km
Discover stylish homewares and unbeatable bargains in Banff’s welcoming Bargainland, a must-visit for quality and charm.
Oldanu
30.8 km
Discover a unique blend of local crafts and souvenirs at Oldanu, the charming gift shop in the heart of Banff, perfect for capturing your travel memories.
Ivy's Emporium
30.8 km
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Tuleni
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Rebel Yells
30.9 km
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The Gift Box
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Meadowlands
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Trend DIY
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PETAL the store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Old Moray Ltd
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The Railway Inn
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Castle Bar
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Banff Springs Hotel
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The Craft - off-licence and Bar
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Craigenroan Bar
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Spider's Web
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The Distilling House
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Mains of Scotstown
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Black Dog
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The Staging Post
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Rowan Tree Bar
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St. Machar Bar
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The Bobbin
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Murdos Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Banff Town & County Club
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Deveronside Club
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Purple Nightclub
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Exodus
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The Tunnels
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CHEERZ
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Venga
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The Underground Klub
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Club Tropicana & Venga
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Private Eyes
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Number 7 Club
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AURA Nightclub Aberdeen
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The Mask Club
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491 Union Street
62.0 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly