Rattray Head facts for kids

Looking south across the sand dunes at Rattray Head

Rattray Head, 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.

Rattray Head lighthouse

Quick facts for kids
Rattray Head

Rattray Head Lighthouse
Location	Rattray Head Buchan Aberdeenshire Scotland
Coordinates	57°36′36″N 1°49′00″W / 57.610123°N 1.816557°W / 57.610123; -1.816557
Year first constructed	1895
Automated	1982
Foundation	granite basement
Construction	brick tower
Tower shape	cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern on a conical frustum basement
Markings / pattern	unpainted basement, white tower, black lantern
Height	34 metres (112 ft)
Focal height	28 metres (92 ft)
Intensity	156,000 candela
Range	24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 mi)
Characteristic	Fl (3) W 30s.
Fog signal	2 blasts every 45s.
Admiralty number	A3304
NGA number	2776
ARLHS number	SCO-179

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

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.