The best places to go stargazing in Scotland

Most people will know heading out of the city increases your chances or a clear, picture perfect sky with no street lights or city lights getting in the way.

Scotland is home to an abundance of beautiful green spaces, which means by nightfall it is the perfect place to go stargazing.

If you’re looking at spending a night under the stars then it’s important to pick the best spot.

Most people will know heading out of the city increases your chances or a clear, picture perfect sky with no street lights or city lights getting in the way.

With so many open spaces to choose from, we’ve narrowed the search down to a few key areas across Scotland to head to.

So whether you’re looking for a shooting star, or a better spot to capture a Blood Moon, then we have you covered.

Moffat

Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway takes the title of Europe’s first Dark Sky Town, having adopted special street lighting to keep light pollution to a minimum to make the stars easier to see.

As a dark sky town, Moffat is one of the best places for total dark meaning you will see more stars in the night sky than anywhere else.

Galloway Forest Park


A huge natural wonderland with forested glens, lochs and the highest hills in southern Scotland, Galloway Forest Park is home to the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.

The observatory runs events throughout the year for the public from normal night sky-watching to meteor showers.

Campsie Glen Car Park

Just 35 minutes away from Glasgow, this car park near the Campsie Fells is perfect for escaping the street lights and getting a great view of the night sky. Take a warm jacket and a flask, as well as a chair, to enjoy the view.

Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides


No fewer than nine locations on Skye have been officially named ‘Dark Discovery Sites’ after they were judged to be excellent spots for stargazing

Queens View Car Park

Between Drymen and Milngavie this spot is also around 35 minutes by car from Glasgow city centre.

Park up and pick your perfect spot for star gazing.

Whitelee Windfarm

It might be the largest on-shore windfarm in the UK, but it is also considered a great spot for star gazing. Around 45 minutes in the car from Glasgow.

S pey Valley, Cairngorms National Park


As well as spectacular star gazing, Cairngorms National Park offers one of the best places for a view of the Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights. The Glenlivet Estate is the first specially designated Dark Sky Discovery Site in the park.