Scotland has some of the best ‘dark skies’ in the world with vast swathes of the country living without the glare of artificial street lights.
Head into deep country, into the hills and to the islands – pandemic permitting, of course – and get close to the wonders of the universe. We look at 10 of the country’s best ‘dark sky’ spots, many which have been internationally recognised for their glorious star gazing potential.
5. Abriachan Forest, Loch Ness
The woodland was named a Dark Sky Discovery site given its "very clear views" of the Milky Way galaxy. The designation was given following a campaign by scientist, astronomer and mathematician Stephen Mackintosh. Photo: Stephen Mackintosh/www.modulouniverse.com
6. The Lecht, The Cairngorms
For the full pure experience of a night under the stars , take a tent and get close to a different galaxy. The Lecht can offer up perfect, dark conditions for the ultimate space watching. Photo: Myrddin Irwin
7. Loch Cluanie, Highland
With low levels of artificial light recorded over most of the north west Highlands, clear, starlit nights, like this one at Loch Cluanie at Glen Shiel, are not hard to find. Photo: VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins
8. Clatteringshaws Loch, Dumfries and Galloway
Clatteringshaws Loch sits in the darkest spot of the Galloway Forest Park, the first Dark Sky Park in the UK and the fourth in the world, with a particularly dramatic stellar show usually on offer from the visitor centre here. Photo: DAVID N. ANDERSON