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Image: Stargazing in the Mull of Galloway
The Small Islands
The Small Islands offer some of the best stargazing spots in Scotland due to their remote setting, minimal light pollution, and broad, open skies. Some of the most special locations for a stargazing experience include:
Isle of Rum - home to fewer than 40 residents, the night skies are mostly free from light pollution. The Isle of Rum was named Scotland's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2024! There's only one other in Europe and only 21 others around the globe, so this starry accolade makes the island well-worth a visit if you want to experience the full wonder of the night sky.
Isle of Eigg - one of the first communities in the world powered entirely by renewable energy, Eigg has virtually no light pollution.
Isle of Canna - with a tiny population and minimal artificial lighting, Canna offers incredibly clear, uninterrupted views of the Milky Way.
Learn more about Scotland's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary
North Ronaldsay Lighthouse
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
North Ronaldsay
Orkney’s northernmost island, North Ronaldsay, has long been associated with dark and clear night skies. In 2021, the island was officially recognised as a "dark sky island". On winter nights, you’ll see the stars sparkle across the sky in a truly dramatic display. When conditions are right, you may even see the Northern Lights. A trip to this remote part of Scotland will also give you the chance to meet the island’s famous seaweed-eating sheep and visit the UK’s tallest land-based lighthouse.
Key spots for stargazing include North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory and the area around the lighthouse.
A Beach Near Gallanach, Isle Of Coll, Inner Hebrides
Coll
Considered one of best places to stargaze in the UK and designated as a "dark sky community" in 2013 by the International Dark Sky Association, the Isle of Coll is blessed with extremely low light pollution, ensuring clear vistas of the night sky to observe the stars. The best time to visit for a stargazing holiday is from october to March, when the skies are at their darkest. In high summer it's light almost all day! The island is quite flat, so almost anywhere is suitable to see the night sky in all its wonder, weather permitting. The Totronald RSPB Reserve and Arinagour Village are among the best places to observe the stars on Coll.
Dark Skies above Caerlaverock Castle
© Visit South West Scotland / Ben Bush
Moffat
After adopting special street lighting to keep light pollution to a minimum, Moffat was named Europe's first 'Dark Sky town'. Located in Dumfries & Galloway, the town has similar light quality to rural areas and is a great place to stay and stargaze in Scotland. By day, the surrounding hills and the local section of the Southern Upland Way provide excellent walking opportunities, while the River Annan is a popular spot for fishing.
Dark skies at Loch Morlich
© Andrew Allan
Tomintoul and Glenlivet - Cairngorms Dark Sky Park
Nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, the Glenlivet and Tomintoul area is renowned for its dark, pristine skies. Despite its remoteness, the area is easy to reach, giving all visitors a chance to marvel at a sky full of stars. Astronomy events take place throughout the year with the Cairngorms Astronomy Group. These events are designed to help both visitors and residents explore the night sky and connect with the traditions and stories that surround it.
Interested in a road trip? The Snowroads route will take you right through the Tomintoul and Glenlivet area.
Bruce’s Stone, Loch Trool
© Visit South West Scotland / Ben Bush
Galloway Forest Park
You can look forward to exceptionally dark night skies in Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s largest forest park in Dumfries & Galloway. Very few people live within the boundaries of Galloway Forest Park, meaning the nights are extra clear. On a clear night, you can see over 7,000 stars and planets with the naked eye, and the Milky Way often stretches brilliantly across the sky.
Clatteringshaws Loch and Kirroughtree Visitor Centre are perfect spots from which to view the night sky, and there are often stargazing events and guided tours by special Dark Sky Rangers.
