Reaching for the stars
27 Jan 2012 14:55:15
Fergus Ewing, MSP, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism cut the first turf today at The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.
The observatory, due to open at Craigengillan Estate in Dalmellington in September, is the first of its kind in Britain. Its location in Galloway Forest Park means that it will enjoy some of the darkest skies in the world; the park itself being one of only ten in the world to be recognised by the International Dark Sky Association. Countless stars, the Milky Way, shooting stars, planets, comets and the Northern Lights are all visible from the area. The observatory will provide a spectacular opportunity to view and appreciate the night sky through state-of-the art telescopes and imaging equipment.
It is hoped that the observatory will attract visitors from throughout Europe, and indeed the world, to Dalmellington, increasing tourism and helping to regenerate an area which has witnessed the demise of a once thirving coal industry. The observatory should attract even more visitors following recent reports of telescope sales soaring by 500% due to the popularity of the “Stargazing Live” programme on BBC2.
As an important educational resource it will benefit the local community and a much larger public audience of stargazers, amateur astronomers, schools, colleges and universities. And viewing will not merely be restricted to night time; daytime visitors can enjoy livetime links with observatories in Australia and other parts of the world. A major part of the observatory’s work will also involve raising awareness of light pollution and the impact that it has on our view of the night sky.
The project is being advanced by the Dark Sky Observatory and was made possible due to the support of the following organisations: Ayrshire LEADER; Cumnock and Doon Valley Minerals Trust; East Ayrshire Council; The Monument Trust; William Grant & Sons Ltd; Eden Charitable Trust; Barr Environmental through the Landfill Communities Fund; James Weir Foundation; The Robertson Trust; Coalfields Regeneration Trust and the Scottish Government.
Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “Scotland has made an immense contribution to shaping the modern world through science and research excellence, and this new observatory builds on our reputation as a hotbed of innovation and ideas.
“The creation of a state-of-the-art, first of its kind in Britain, observatory will attract stargazers and astronomers from near and far. Almost four million people tuned into the BBC’s Stargazing Live programme and it is hoped that this new observatory will capitalise on the success of the show and capture the imagination of people of all ages.
“The Galloway Forest Park area enjoys some of the darkest skies in the world and this new facility will showcase the area’s stunning natural scenery and resources to attract new visitors and investment to Ayrshire.”
Councillor Iain Linton, Depute Leader of the Council, said: “The Dark Sky Observatory will be a huge asset for East Ayrshire in terms of the tourism and educational benefits it will bring to the area. It should attract not only local visitors, but many tourists and keen stargazers from around the world who I’m sure will be extremely impressed with the new facility. This in turn will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area and will really put East Ayrshire on the map.”
Observatory Manager Cath Seeds added: “We have worked so hard over the last two years to generate the enthusiasm and raise funds for this project. It is wonderful that we can come together today and officially start the construction of the observatory.
“The project aims to bring ‘astronomy to all’. Often, the science can feel overwhelming, so we want the observatory to break these barriers by bringing together astronomy, nocturnal natural history and arts and crafts inspired by the night sky. We also want to play a key role in the future development of this area. Great things are occurring and great talent is abundant. Our role is to improve science in our community, whether by inspiring the next generation of scientists or providing the spark needed by an inventor to produce something truly remarkable.”
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