Rattray Head (listen),[1] historically Rattray Point, is a headland in Buchan, Aberdeenshire, on the north-east coast Scotland. To north lies Strathbeg Bay and Rattray Bay is to its south. The dunes at Rattray Head beach can be up to 75 feet (23 m) high and stretch 17 miles (27 km) from St Combs to Peterhead.[2][3]

Looking south across the sand dunes at Rattray Head

Rattray Head lighthouse

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Rattray Head Lighthouse
 
Rattray Head Lighthouse
 
LocationRattray Head
Buchan
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
OS gridNK1106457807
Coordinates57°36′36″N 1°49′00″W / 57.610123°N 1.816557°W / 57.610123; -1.816557
Tower
Constructed1895
Built byDavid Alan Stevenson, Charles Alexander Stevenson  
Foundationgranite basement
Constructionbrick tower
Automated1982
Height34 metres (112 ft)
Shapecylindrical tower with balcony and lantern on a conical frustum basement
Markingsunpainted basement, white tower, black lantern
Power sourcesolar power  
OperatorRattray Head B&B and Ratty's Tearoom [4][5]
Heritagecategory B listed building  
Fog signal2 blasts every 45s.
Light
Focal height28 metres (92 ft)
Intensity156,000 candela
Range24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi)
CharacteristicFl (3) W 30s.

The 120-foot (37 m)[2][3] Rattray Head lighthouse was built in 1895.[6][7] It was built by the engineers and brothers David Alan Stevenson and Charles Alexander Stevenson. In February 1982 it became unmanned and self-working.[2][3]

The lighthouse is accessible by way of a causeway that is usually underwater and only visible at low tide. It is wide enough for a vehicle to cross.

Remains of several shipwrecks can still be seen on the beach.

Access to the beach is by a narrow track with deep ruts, potholes and limited passing places which leads to a carpark and a short walk through the sand dunes (high ground clearance and good reversing skills required).[2][3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Online Scots Dictionary". Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d "Rattray Head Travel Guide". World 66. Retrieved 6 July 2007.
  3. ^ a b c d Stanley Bruce (2005). The Bard O' Buchan Vol 1'. Bard Books. ISBN 0-9547960-2-0.
  4. ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Eastern Scotland". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  5. ^ Rattray Head Northern Lighthouse Board. Retrieved 11 May 2016
  6. ^ The lighthouse Archived 2 November 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Rattray Head Lighthouse Archived 21 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine
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57°36′43″N 1°49′27″W / 57.61187°N 1.82425°W / 57.61187; -1.82425