It is officially International Dark Sky Week and there are plenty of places in Scotland worth visiting to mark the occasion.
Already our country is among one of the best destinations in Europe for stargazing, with Galloway Forest Park among one of the first places in the world to be designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2009.
Awarded to places with minimal levels of light pollution, there are more than 200 certified Dark Sky Places globally - and Scotland is home to six in total.
From communities such as Moffat, to the Isle of Rum - which is among just 23 Dark Sky Sanctuaries worldwide - there are spots from the Borders to the Islands which will offer amateur astronomers an excellent chance to enjoy the best of the night skies.
So to celebrate International Dark Sky Week, here are 11 of the best dark sky destinations worth visiting in Scotland.
5. Tomintoul and Glenlivet, Cairngorms
The Cairngorms are home to plenty of attractions already, but Tomintoul and Glenlivet are specifically recognised for their lack of light pollution. There are plenty of chances to visit each year, with stunning views across the Dark Sky Park. | James - stock.adobe.com
6. North Ronaldsay, Orkney
The final officially recognised Dark Sky Place in Scotland is North Ronaldsay. Orkney’s most northernmost island, there is still plenty of stargazing which can be done from other islands but it was named as a Dark Sky Island in 2021. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
While not officially recognised, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is also an excellent place to stargaze in Scotland. There is little light pollution, with spots such as Loch Venachar standing out. | Andras - stock.adobe.com
8. Shetland
There are a number of great places around Shetland for dark skies, but perhaps none more so than Unst. Wild Skies Shetland is a local charity which aims to showcase the skies on the isle, and they run the 13-stop Sky Trail, which takes visitors around Unst to witness the stars for themselves. | Ineke - stock.adobe.com