Posted by Maris on 25th Oct 2023
Top 8 Unmissable Areas To Admire Northern Lights in Scotland
Where in Scotland can you view the northern lights? Continue reading to learn about the five areas in Scotland's north where you can have a decent chance of seeing the northern lights. Here are eight areas in Scotland's north that offer the best chances of seeing the northern lights.
1. Best places to see Northern Lights in Scotland
Edinburgh
On rare instances, Aurora sightings can be seen from the capital city's high summits. There is a slight chance that the lights may appear above Edinburgh, but if they do, it will be an unforgettable event. Sightings have already been recorded and documented.
Blackford Hill, Calton Hill, and Arthur's Seat are locations where you can get a good glimpse of the northern lights. The views of the city skyline would be breathtaking, making this a genuinely wonderful experience.
Orkney
The Orkney Islands are Scotland's best place to see the Northern Lights. The Orkney Islands are another island group in Scotland's far north. Orkney is positioned north of the mainland and south of Shetland. Because the island is rather flat, you can see more of the sky and have a better chance of seeing an aurora.
Western Scotland
Sutherland and Caithness Highlands in Scotland are wonderful places to see the northern lights. Small settlements along Sutherland's northern shore, including as Durness, Tongue, and Melvich, are known for being ideal places to see the northern lights.
Have dinner at a nearby tavern before venturing outside to try your luck. Castletown, the most northerly point in Scotland, and John O'Groats are both excellent locations for sightings over in Caithness.
With beaches, cliffs, and tiny fishing harbors coexisting peacefully, the entire region displays an amazing openness in all directions. With miles of pitch-black sky dotted with sparkling stars, the nighttime skies here are some of the cleanest you will ever view.
Shetland
Because it is the area of Britain nearest to the North Pole, Shetland is one of the best places in Scotland to observe the northern lights. Locals will tell you that you can view the auroras several times during the winter, with a combination of low-level displays and one or two more spectacular displays.
On Shetland, there is a lot of open space, so there are many spots to pull over and settle in for a leisurely light-spotting session. From your accommodation, explore the island to find a secluded area where you may relax with your fold-out chairs, blanket, and camera to capture the moment permanently.
Outer Hebrides
The Isle of Lewis and the Isle of Harris are two islands located off the northwest coast of the Scottish Highlands. Because there is little to no light pollution in this location, the sky is open, dark, and clear, making it ideal for catching a glimpse of the northern lights.
To the south, the Isle of Harris has several quiet beaches, while Lewis' flat, open landscape has broad, uninhabited vistas suitable for picturesque views. Uist and Barra are also part of the Outer Hebrides and have bright skies! The wildness of the west only adds to the experience of staying on these beautiful islands.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye, an island off Scotland's west coast, is well renowned for being a good place to see the aurora in Scotland, especially in the north. You won't have trouble finding a peaceful place to wait since numerous distant areas are free of light pollution.
Throughout the island, there are many Dark Sky Discovery locations. Nevertheless, there is no way of knowing where the lights will appear; you just need to stay distant. Glendale, where you will also find the renowned Fairy Pools, is reported to be a nice place where they have occasionally been seen.
Aberdeenshire and Morayshire
The northern shore between Nairn and Aberdeen is included in the Moray Coast, located north of the Highlands. Along this coastline, there is a lot to see, including historic castles and ruins, magnificent sandy beaches, traditional coastal communities, and stunning woodlands.
The Cairngorms National Park, which extends into Moray, and delightful rural areas to explore can be found inland. Glenlivet and Tomintoul are two fantastic whisky-producing places to visit. Make a night of it by making an event out of seeing the aurora.
Cairngorms National Park
A national park will usually offer remote, tranquil settings with a high percentage of starry skies. Because it offers so much wildness to explore, the Cairngorms National Park is a popular location for those interested in outdoor exercise and adventure.
Throughout the year, family and friends enjoy the large outdoor playground while going on various expeditions and taking in the changing seasons. But, it calms down at night, making this a tranquil location to try to see the northern lights in Scotland. It has been decided to designate Tomintoul and Glenlivet as "International Dark Sky Parks."
2. When is the best time to see Northern Lights in Scotland?
The greatest times to observe the auroras in Scotland are between mid-October and mid-March; avoid any days when there will be a full moon for the best chances.