Following a storm in the Moray Firth in November 1826 when 16 vessels were sunk, applications were made for lighthouses at Tarbat Ness, on the opposite coast, and at Covesea Skerries.

Eventually, the engineer and a committee of the Board surveyed the coastline and the Elder Brethren[5] were asked to look for the best location.

The light was deactivated on 2 March 2012, after a North Cardinal buoy fitted with X band radar was installed in the Moray Firth on 21 February.

In July 2012 the NLB received notification from The Scottish Government that the Covesea Lighthouse Community Company Limited had registered an interest in the Covesea Skerries property under the terms contained in Part 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

The plan is now to develop the iconic landmark as a major tourism hub to promote local heritage, the area's unique wildlife and environment and its links to the nearby airbase at RAF Lossiemouth.