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Winter Nights Magic: Our top 7 places in the North of Scotland to spot the Northern Lights


By Federica Stefani

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Aurora over Caithness. Picture by: Ollie Taylor.
Aurora over Caithness. Picture by: Ollie Taylor.

Frostier winters are a relatively small price to pay for those who live or travel to far-northern latitudes, as they can witness one of the most beautiful wonders of nature: the Northern Lights.

Although many may think that to spot the magic light display in the night sky one should go beyond the Arctic circle, they are nonetheless visible from the North of Scotland. The Highlands, with their remote areas allowing for lower light pollution, offer several spots where one may glimpse the magnificence of the Aurora Borealis.

Keeping an eye on the latest aurora forecasts through websites such as AuroraWatch UK, one can identify the best chance of the Northern Lights appearing. Drive away from light pollution as much as you can, wrap up warm and point your nose upwards.

To help you with your search, here are some of the top spots where you can see them - however, before you set off, always check the latest updates on travel restrictions in place in your area and the areas you want to visit.

1. The Moray Coast

A stroll on the beach is one of the pleasures of life, and if you are nearby one of the beaches on the Moray coast during an Aurora alert with a clear sky, chances are you can have a front-row seat to the Northern lights.

The area is very popular with tourists over summer but it definitely has its charms over the colder months too, and the Aurora is one of them.

Places such as Lossiemouth, Findhorn or Roseisle beach - with long and wide sandy beaches, are wonderful places by day and great spots to spot the Northern Lights on the right nights, having relatively low light pollution and a clear view northward (you can check some of our reader’s pictures from January 20121 here).

The Moray Astronomy Club, Sigma, can also be a good source of information for the lovers of the night skies.

2. Cairngorms Dark Sky Park

Uath Lochans from Farleitter Crag, Kingussie. Picture by: VisitScotland / Damian Shields
Uath Lochans from Farleitter Crag, Kingussie. Picture by: VisitScotland / Damian Shields

The Cairngorms National Park is one of the most beloved hiking hotspots in Scotland, and the area between Tomantouil and Glenlivet is perfect for stargazing and is part of the International Dark Sky network.

Relatively easy to access and surrounded by hills that cut off the lights from the surrounding villages, this is a fantastic place where to watch the night sky all year round.

3. Nairn Beach

The dunes on Nairn Beach. Picture by: Callum Mackay.
The dunes on Nairn Beach. Picture by: Callum Mackay.

One of the most popular beaches and very easily accessible from the likes of Inverness, Nairn beach also offers a great view of the night sky without being too far from the Highland Capital (but far enough from its lights!)

4. Dunnet Head

Dunnet Head is the northernmost point in mainland Scotland.
Dunnet Head is the northernmost point in mainland Scotland.

The northernmost point in mainland Scotland is also a stunning location and a fantastic base to spot the northern lights. Conveniently located near Thurso, this is indeed one of the best spots to catch the Aurora without having to sail to the islands. The high cliffs looking towards Orkney and nearby the lighthouse offer a great viewing spot. Alternatively, Thurso Bay and John o’ Groats offer two great viewing points nearby. Bring a tea or a hot chocolate with you and enjoy the panorama!

There is also a website for the Caithness Astronomy Group which can be a great help for stargazers.

5. Lochinver, Sutherland

This remote fishing village on the west coast is very well-renowned among lovers of the night skies. Its small harbour lights up when the conditions allow for the Aurora Borealis, which reflects in the waters making the view even more magical. If you are visiting the area, many local cottages can turn into the perfect stargazing hut.

6. Applecross, Ross-shire

Applecross.Picture: Roslyn Clarke
Applecross.Picture: Roslyn Clarke

The Applecross peninsula is something of a wild beauty and a proud landmark of Ross-shire. Very popular with tourists over summer, it turns into a wonderful place to see the Northern Lights in colder months (although it’s always worth checking road conditions as in winter it can get more tricky to move around!).

7. The islands

An Ardersier man captured an amazing night sky on the Isle of Skye.
An Ardersier man captured an amazing night sky on the Isle of Skye.

If you fancy hopping on a ferry, the islands of Scotland offer some of the best locations to spot the Aurora Borealis. The Shetlands are of course one of the best options for their northern location, but Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and the famous Isle of Skye do offer some breathtaking views and are obviously worth considering if you fancy some serious stargazing adventures.


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