It's one of the most beautiful and dramatic locations in Scotland, and there's a unique job available there that could be perfect for someone who loves the thought of enjoying the isolation and beauty of Cape Wrath – the most north-westerly corner of mainland UK.
The search is on to find a new lighthouse keeper to work there - and the successful candidate will only have to work 184 hours a year. The Northern Lighthouse Board has posted the job which would see the new person performing roughly monthly checks on automated lighthouses at Cape Wrath and Stoer Head in Sutherland.
The exciting role will see the candidate take over from lighthouse keeper Barry Miller, 74, who retired recently after covering seven lighthouses across western Scotland.
Speaking about his incredible job, the experienced lightkeeper told the Sun that it was "close to a dream job".
“You hear all sorts of howls and screams from the wind. It's very atmospheric.”
Dozens of people are expected to apply for the £2,043-a-year position, with the job description stating that the new keeper will “receive training from the senior technician as well as health and safety training, and personal survival training for boat access”.
It adds that applicants must be "physically fit" and will "travel by boat in the performance of your duties”, reports the Mirror.
Former teacher Mr Miller added: “People think lighthouses now operate all on their own but we have to do various checks to ensure everything is working properly.”
Lighthouses mark dangerous coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs, rocks, and safe entries to harbours, while also assisting aerial navigation.
Their usage has declined over the years due to sophisticated and effective electronic navigational systems.
At one time, keepers would maintain the light and lens powered by oil lamps and clockwork mechanisms, they were nicknamed 'wickies' due to their job of trimming the wicks.
They would also replenish fuel and wind clockworks, as well as cleaning the lenses and windows.
The earliest recorded lighthouse keeper was William Knott, who was appointed to the South Foreland lighthouse near Dover in 1730.
The Northern Lighthouse Board is the general lighthouse authority for Scotland and the Isle of Man.
It is a non-departmental public body responsible for marine navigation aids around coastal areas.
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