The Sky at Night in Scotland – March is the time to view

Shooting Star over Loch Ness

Scotland is one of the best places in the world to witness the sky at night and March is one of the best times of year to view.  Remote parts of Scotland have low light pollution, and many of our Hostels are in these areas.  There is a great choice of Hostels in locations that are perfect for viewing the night sky.

Galloway Activity Centre

With some of the clearest night skies anywhere in Europe, Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries & Galloway is the perfect place to star gaze and has been named the UK’s first Dark Sky Park. More than 7,000 stars and planets are visible with the naked eye from the Park.  Even the Milky Way is visible without the use of a telescope

Galloway Forest Park was the first national park in the UK to be awarded Dark Sky Park status from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) in November 2009. The awards are aimed at reducing light pollution, protecting the dark skies and the natural nocturnal habitats in which wildlife thrives.

Marthrown of Mabie

It is one of only three dark sky parks in Europe and gives year round opportunities to stargaze. 

On the edge of Galloway Forest Park is the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory. Facilities include two impressive telescopes, and a roll-off-roof observatory which offers a unique 'out in the open' experience.  Stay at Galloway Activity Centre or Marthrown of Mabie in nearby Mabie Forest 

Dark Sky Island

Isle of Coll in the Inner Hebrides was named as Scotland’s first Dark Sky Island in 2013, only the second in this classification to date.

Coll Bunkhouse

As the result of locals working to record measurements of the darkness of the night sky and adjusting lights, you can enjoy exceptional unspoilt views of starry vistas with minimum light pollution – the nearest lamp post is around 20 miles away, on the nearby Isle of Mull.  Stay at Coll Bunkhouse

Dark Sky Discovery Points

A number of sites on the Isle of Skye identified as Dark Sky discovery sites. Nine unique locations across the island include Clan Donald, Kylerhea and Kinloch Forest.  View our Hostel accommodation on Skye and theOuter Hebrides

Other points in Scotland include Glen Nevis in Lochaber.A stay at the Ben Nevis Inn would be ideal!