Scotland is among the best places in the UK for stargazers, with the country home to six designated International Dark Sky Places.
Well known for having some of the country’s darkest night skies - including the UK’s first Dark Sky Park as well as Europe’s first Dark Sky Town - there are plenty of locations in Scotland for astronomy enthusiasts to explore.
So whether you’re keen to head into woodlands for stargazing paired with wild beauty or you’re more interested in remaining close to the action in a town with minimal light pollution, with the help of Visit Scotland, we’ve compiled a list of Scotland’s top dark sky destinations ahead of Dark Sky Week (April 21 to 28).
Without further ado, here are 10 amazing places to stargaze in Scotland.
5. Tomintoul & Glenlivet, Cairngorms
Tomintoul & Glenlivet, Cairngorms | James - stock.adobe.com
6. Loch Venachar, Trossachs
Already a stunning location in its own right, Loch Venachar in the Trossachs is off the beaten path with both the north and south shores designated as Dark Sky Discovery Sites. | AK Media - stock.adobe.com
7. North Ronaldsay, Orkney
Part of the Orkney Islands, North Ronaldsay is a Dark Sky Island with no street lighting, open horizons and uninterrupted views of the night sky and, in the right conditions, the Northern Lights. The location is also famous for being home to the tallest land-based lighthouse in the UK and seaweed munching sheep. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Unst, Shetland
Unst is the UK’s northernmost inhabited island, offering some of the country’s clearest views of stars, planets and meteor showers. What makes the island unique is its Sky Trail, a self-guided route which weaves together local history and folklore as well as astronomy. | Luis - stock.adobe.com