Hidden Gems No.2

Thistime,ourhiddengemismorethanone place!

We start with the uncomfortably named Sailean nan Cuileag, (The bay of the Flies)… yeah, I know! But don’t let the name put you off.

For centuries people have used the safe natural harbour at Sàilean nan Cuileag, including Viking warriors, who wintered their boats here at one time. Wander down to the water's edge to enjoy the view, you might spot seals and seabirds.

Sàilean nan Cuileag is one of Sunart’s many patches of Atlantic oakwood, (managed by Scotland forestry and Land), a rich, beautiful environment that once stretched along the coast between Norway and Spain. The damp, clean air makes them wonderful places for plants like mosses and lichens, and there is scattered evidence of the thriving community that once worked in the woods to make charcoal and cut timber. In the past, many of the woods had been planted with non-native conifers, but recent work is restoring the unique oakwood habitat.

It is one of only four designated Dark Sky Parks in the western world and the only one in the UK. It has been awarded a ‘Gold Tier park’ for its breath-taking and rare stargazing conditions.

Luckily for us, Scotland has some of the largest expanses of dark sky in Europe making it a perfect destination for eager stargazers. It is also home to Europe's second Dark Sky Park, the first of its kind in the UK, as well a myriad of Dark Sky Discovery Sites. These are places which experience low or practically non-existent levels of light pollution, revealing ink-black skies filled with dazzling stars.

Look up in wonder at the star-studded canopy above you and breathe in the fresh night air as you search the sky for distant galaxies and the Milky Way. In Scotland there are many areas which experience little or no light pollution, meaning that on a clear night you can enjoy wonderful stargazing without the aid of a telescope.

You could also visit one of the Dark Sky Discovery Points across the Highlands, or set sail to the Isle of Coll, Scotland's Dark Sky

Island. No doubt it will leave you with a sense of wonder.

Coll

The Isle of Coll is a small Hebridean island some six miles off the west coast of mainland Scotland, it is ‘off the beaten track’ and has many beaches to explore. It is one of the best places to stargaze in the UK. Designated a ‘dark sky community’ in 2013 by the International Dark Sky Association, the Isle of Coll is blessed with extremely low light pollution, guaranteeing clear vistas to observe the stars.

The best time to visit for a stargazing holiday is from August to March when the skies are at their darkest. In high summer it is light almost allways daytime. The island is quite flat, so anywhere is suitable to see the night sky in all its wonder, weather permitting.

North Ronaldsay

Orkney’s northernmost island, North Ronaldsay, has long been associated with dark and clear night skies. However, it was only in 2021 that the island was officially recognised as a ‘dark sky island’. On winter nights, you’ll see the stars shine and sparkle here across the sky in a truly dramatic display. When conditions are right you may even see the Northern Lights dancing in red and green. 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.

TOMINTOUL AND GLENLIVET –CAIRNGORMS DARK SKY PARK

During the darker months of the year, you will find that the Tomintoul and Glenlivet area of the Cairngorms has amazing stargazing opportunities. Dark sky events take place all year round here with the Cairngorms Astronomy Group. Amateur astronomers, night-time photographers, and enthusiasts in search of stunning views will find this place easy to access.

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. Check out accommodation in Moffat if you’re thinking about booking a trip. During daylight hours, the surrounding hills and the local section of the Southern Upland Way provide excellent walking opportunities, while the river Annan is good for fishing.

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