Guide to Boddam Lighthouse which is also known as Buchanness Lighthouse with a history of the Boddam Lighthouse and several photographs with information about the Lighthouse Holiday Accommodation:

The Boddam Buchanness Lighthouse is situated in the picturesque fishing village of Boddam, approximately 3 miles from Peterhead. Boddam Lighthouse is also known as Buchan Ness Lighthouse and Buchanness Lighthouse.

The History of the Boddam Buchanness Lighthouse

The Boddam Lighthouse is another fine example of lighthouse construction by Scots Engineer Robert Stevenson. It was constructed in 1827. In 1907 its distinctive red band around the middle was added. It was finally automated in 1988 and the lighthouse keepers cottages were sold. The lighthouse did not suffer any attacks from enemy planes during The Second World War, instead it twice had mines go adrift on the nearby rocky shore and explode. Fortunately no-one was injured.

There are several historical photos of the Boddam Lighthouse in the book Old Cruden Bay and Port Erroll: Whinnyfold, Boddam and Buchanhaven by Jim Buchan which includes scenes before the housing developments and shows the Yards of Boddam, the Boddam Coo foghorn, Buchan Ness Lodge and the ruins of Boddam Castle.

The lighthouse has a tower height of 35 metres. The light has a range of 28 nautical miles and flashes every 5 seconds.

There is little parking near the lighthouse, but it is worth making the effort to drive down to the harbour first where there is plenty of parking. You will be rewarded by a super view of the lighthouse, cliffs, rugged rocks and the sea. The harbour is still actively used by the local fishermen.

Boddamer Gordon Morrison has written a book about fishing in this area.
Read more information about him and his book. Gordon provided the photograph of Boddam Lighthouse in winter above with the atmospheric waves crashing into the surrounding rocks. Click on the above photo of Boddam Lighthouse to see a larger image. His book is written in the Doric dialect and he would call the lighthouse the lichthoose.

We also run the www.findextrawork.co.uk website where there is information about earning more money from a range of part time and full time jobs which can be done at home or out and about. Visit for more information.

Dog walkers, or those who fancy a stroll along the sea front, can find a lovely walk that is largely unknown, by heading towards the edge of the fenced off fish factory by the sea where a small foot path can be found. Follow this to find a much larger path that takes you up to behind the power station and towards Peterhead.

Boddam lighthouse is not open to the public, but you can stroll around the perimeter. The surrounding cliffs and rocks are a haven to much bird life and you can often see seals bobbing around the sea.

The Boddam Lighthouse foghorn was nicknamed the Boddam Coo (cow) and is no longer sounded. It had been installed in 1904 and would give three blasts every ninety seconds. Prior to its installation Boddamers would beat tin basins with spoons to alert sailors in the fog of the coastal hazards (cited in the book Old Cruden Bay and Port Erroll: Whinnyfold, Boddam and Buchanhaven by Jim Buchan).

Meals and liquid refreshments can be found at the local pubs and hotels, The Buchanness and The Sea View Hotel. Public toilets can be found at Harbour Street on the right hand side as you face the lighthouse.

How To Get To The Boddam Buchanness Lighthouse

From Aberdeen - Head towards Peterhead on the A952. At Stirling Village take the right hand turn into Station Road. Follow the road, heading down to the sea. Follow the road round to the right at The Sea View Hotel, which takes you onto Harbour Street. You will then be able to see the lighthouse with its striking white and red colour.

Read more about Boddam village.

More lighthouses from Aberdeenshire.

A short walk from Boddam Lighthouse up Rocksley Drive takes you to a bronze statue of a Royal Air Force serviceman was built on Rocksley Drive in Boddam to honour the service of RAF Buchan. Read more about it with photos on the RAF Buchan Boddam Statue page.

Lighthouse Holiday Accommodation

There are Lighthouse holiday accommodation available at Boddam Lighthouse. The lighthouse cottages, called Skerry Cottage, have been converted into comfortable modern accommodation by Sheila and Mel Priest who have maintained the traditional look of a lighthouse keeper’s cottage. There are two bedrooms with one having a king size bed whilst there are twin beds in the second bedroom. The lounge has a romantic open fireplace and there is a modern fitted kitchen. The bathroom has a bath and shower. More information about the Boddam Lighthouse holiday accommodation can be found at www.buchannesslighthouseholidays.co.uk where there are some beautiful photographs of Boddam Lighthouse and interior photos of the Lighthouse holiday accommodation including pictures of a bride whose wedding was held there.