Blown away
Lighthouses are a curious contradiction: they symbolise hope and trust, but also solitude and hardship. These remote beacons have saved thousands of lives over the centuries and provided comfort to those on ships and on land, steadily blinking their lights across the ocean. In her new book, Guiding Lights, author Shona Riddell looks at the extraordinary lives of lighthouse women throughout history. The following extract gives a glimpse into the experience of what it is to be a contemporary caretaker of one of these historic sites through the eyes of Hannah Sutton, who spent six months with her partner, Grant, on the Australia’s southernmost island, the remote Maatsuyker Island.
While most lighthouses are now automated, many still need caretakers. People eagerly sign up to live on islands or coastlines and look after the light. These days it’s a chance to get away from the crowds and have an adventure, but only for a while — postings are generally for six to 12 months. A minimum of two people are required, usually a couple.
One outpost requiring volunteers is Maatsuyker Island. It is Australia’s southernmost island, 10 kilometres south-west of the bottom of Tasmania. Named after anewspaper described the island in 1937:
