Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
First Minister Alex Salmond officially opens the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.
Aurora Scottish Dark Sky Observatory 28 AUG 15
Time-lapse repeated 3 times consecutively slower. About 30 mins of Aurora at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, Dalmellington, Ayrshire,
Pentax K30, ISO 400, F2.8, 16mm, 20secs
The Knowe B&B, Carsphairn, United Kingdom - HD review
The Knowe B&B - Special club price! -
The Knowe B&B is located in the rural village of Carsphairn, on the A713 Galloway Tourist Route and close to the Galloway Forest Park. A short drive from the property is the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.
The 2 rooms at The Knowe B&B offer great views of the surrounding Galloway Hills. They have a flat-screen Smart TV and free WiFi. There are free tea and coffee-making facilities and homemade biscuits. Both rooms are en suite and include rain-effect showers, underfloor heating and free toiletries.
The shared lounge has a log-burning stove and Sky TV. A full Scottish breakfast is served in the elegant dining room, which looks over the gardens.
Ayr and the West coast can be reached in just over an hour by car, while Glasgow is less than 96.6 km away.
Take a different path in Ayrshire & Arran
Have you been to Ayrshire & Arran recently? You might just be surprised at what you see.
The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway is the ideal place to start before you venture inside Burn’s cottage where Scotland’s National Bard was born in 1759. Continue your Burns’ adventure at Rozelle House where you’ll find Tam O’ Shanter paintings by Alexander Goudie. Don’t miss the Burns House Museum in the charming cobbled backstreets of Mauchline and enjoy an audio tour.
Described as one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes, Dumfries House is a real gem, boasting priceless Chippendale furniture in opulent rooms. Throughout the estate discover woodland walks, the Queen Elizabeth Walled Gardens, or lose yourself in the maze. Near Maybole, the impressive Culzean Castle & Country Park with its grand turrets, is not to be missed and Kelburn Castle and Country Centre in Fairlie is adorned with graffiti courtesy of Brazilian street artists.
Across the water on the Isle of Arran, the Machrie Moor Standing Stones which date back up to 4,500 years, are set in stunning landscapes. At Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park wander the gardens with views down to Arran’s coastline. Discover lush woodland, waterfalls and a summer house before having some fun in the new Isle be Wild adventure playground.
The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory near Dalmellington is found in the Galloway Dark Sky Park, the first of its kind in the UK. This is one of the best places to admire the dark skies, and they are so clear that you are likely to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
For a change of pace, get your glad rags on and head to Ayr Racecourse, which also hosts the Scottish Grand National and the Gold Cup, popular days out full of excitement and glamour. Or why not tee off at almost 50 courses and 3 Championship Courses, like Royal Troon, or try a more unique course like Shiskine Golf Course on the Isle of Arran which has 12 holes and spectacular views?
The Isle of Cumbrae is a compact island accessed by Ferry from Largs in just 15 minutes! Ideal for cycling thanks to its size as well as being home to an array of wildlife.
In Irvine, you will find the Scottish Maritime Museum which is the home to Scotland’s seafaring heritage giving a fascinating insight into the importance of Scotland’s maritime heritage. The museum also hosts Irvine Harbour’s Festival of Light which is back again in 2019.
With miles of coastline in the area you are spoilt for choice. Take a stroll on Ayr beach, explore rockpools at Croy Shore, or why not try kitesurfing in Troon?
Culzean Castle nts.org.uk/Visit/Culzean-Castle-and-Country-Park/
Royal Troon royaltroon.co.uk
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Rozelle House Estate goudie.co.uk
Ayr Racecourse ayr-racecourse.co.uk
Scottish Maritime Museum
Isle of Cumbrae, Millport millport.org
Kelburn Castle kelburnestate.com/
Brodick Castle and Country Park
Machrie Moor Standing Stones
Dumfries House
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Dean Castle deancastle.com
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East Ayrshire's - Undiscovered Gems
East Ayrshire is full of undiscovered gems hiding in the many nooks and crannies of the region.
Explore Ness Glen and Loch Doon, just east of Dalmellington, for picturesque walks, stunning views, and peaceful landscapes, all topped off with afternoon tea in the Roundhouse Café at Loch Doon Dam. You can also discover Fort Carrick, a base for outdoor activities, and even call in at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory on your way for spectacular views of the starry night sky.
Dunlop Dairy in Stewarton turn their farm produce milk into a range of delicious award-winning cheese which are sold through specialist wholesalers as well as in their farm shop. You can also purchase other local produces, such as free range eggs, milk and jam from the shop as well.
Just east of Kilmarnock, find your spirit at the Spirit of Scotland Sculpture on Loudoun Hill for a gentle walk along an abandoned railway line followed by an ascent of the hill for stunning views over the River Irvine and surrounding landscapes.
In Kilmarnock, enjoy a family day out at Dean Castle and Country Park for beautiful woodland walks, an educational History Trail, or head to the Palace to see world-class artefacts. Nearby, you’ll find the Dick Institute with exhibitions and permanent displays to browse. Enjoy the ultimate cooking experience at The Cook School, a 5 star venue that provides a fun and informal environment where you can learn to create effortless dishes. Rowallan Castle boasts winding streams, impressive woodlands, and even a Bronze Age settlement amongst the rolling greens of the world class golf course.
In Mauchline, learn about Scotland’s Bard at the Burns House Museum, where Burns’ once lived, and witness collections of rare, original objects and documents, as well as exploring the onsite library. Nearby you’ll find the Catrine House Coffee Shop & Ice Cream Parlour where you can enjoy award-winning ice-cream made from milk and cream courtesy of their very own herd of pedigree Ayrshire cows. There is a play park for the little ones and a farm shop so you can take delicious local produce home with you.
Come and explore the undiscovered gems of Scotland’s East Ayrshire!
Loch Doon -
Ness Glen -
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory -
Spirit of Scotland Sculpture, Loudoun Hill -
Burns House Museum, Mauchline -
Dick Institute, Kilmarnock -
Dean Castle and Country Park, Kilmarnock -
Dunlop Dairy, Stewarton -
Catrine House Ice Cream Parlour, Mauchline -
Cook School, Kilmarnock -
Rowallan Golf Course, Kilmarnock -
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Dalmellington Sky
QHY511c Camera with home brew housing.
Thunderstorm Dalmellington 23/08/17
Storm Videoed on Pentax K70
Comet C2011/L4 Pan Starrs
Taken from the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory - Dalmellington, Ayrshire, Scotland 01/04/2013
SDSO Clouds Timelapse
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
GoPro Hero 4 timelapse
02/06/15
Dalcairney Falls November 3, 2012
Short 1 min video
Kirkcudbright, Glasgow, Edinburgh, New Lanark - Scotland
Kirkcudbright, Dalmellington, Scottish Observatory, Glasgow University, Edinburgh Fringe, Carstairs, New Lanark, Falls of Clyde - September 18
The Selkirk Arms in Kirkcudbright - very welcoming and wonderful hosts.
Jenny and I visiting friends, walking on the beach, looking at stars, laughing at the Fringe, inspecting eskers and walking up waterfalls across Scotland
Photos: Apple iphone 8, Panasonic FZ4
Recorded on GoPro Hero4
Music: Ae Fond Kiss - Robert Burns
Performed by Eddi Reader