Balmoral holds a special place in the royal family’s heart, with Princess Eugenie remarking on its beauty and its significance to the late Queen, who was known to adore the Scottish Highlands.
King Charles also enjoys the estate, often hiking with Queen Camilla. However, Princess Anne’s fondness for the Scottish summer has a more specific reason: her love for lighthouses.
As a dedicated pharologist—someone with a deep interest in lighthouses—Princess Anne has made it her goal to visit every lighthouse in Scotland. She is the patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board and even wrote the introduction to a book on the subject in 2015, highlighting the “remoteness and exceptional natural beauty” of these beacons.
John Pirie, a retired manager from the Northern Lighthouse Board, shared that Princess Anne has a personal connection to their work. “I’ve met her a few times, and she loves spending time on Northern Lighthouse Board ships, where there’s a cabin named after her. She’s also known for sailing her yacht along Scotland’s West Coast, including visiting the Western Isles and the islands around Barra for picnics.”
When it comes to must-see lighthouses, Pirie suggests Skerryvore should be at the top of Princess Anne’s list. “Skerryvore, designed by Alan Stevenson and built between 1838 and 1844, is Scotland’s tallest lighthouse, standing at 48 meters. It’s a stunning sight both from afar and up close.”
To fully appreciate Skerryvore, Pirie recommends a visit to Hynish Shore station on Tiree, which was built for its construction. The area includes a museum and an inn where visitors can enjoy local delicacies like fresh lobster and crab. For any lighthouse enthusiast, the Skerryvore experience is not to be missed.
