Best places to see Northern Lights in skies above Scotland

Although we are not in the traditional Northern Lights season, the Aurora Borealis has already been on show a few times in recent months.

The most memorable was in May, where the breathtaking phenomenon was . While we don’t get as lucky as that too often, Scotland does boast some of the best locations in the UK for stargazing and witnessing the ethereal lights.

The Aurora appears more often on our beautiful islands, especially those in the north, and thanks to their distance from the bright lights of the big cities, it can be a truly stunning sight. But there are also some key locations on the mainland that have a history of showcasing the Aurora in all its wonder.

When can I see the Northern Lights?

The optimal time to spot this natural phenomenon is between late September and late March, ideally in December and January. This is when the skies are darkest across the northern hemisphere.

To get the clearest view, it’s recommended to stay up until the early hours. And although it is more easily seen in the winter, the Aurora can make appearances out of season too.

Specialist forecast websites such as AuroraWatch UK can provide guidance on when to expect the lights, so make sure your notifications are turned on!

What are the Northern Lights?

The lights, which manifest as waves of dancing green, blue, purple and pink, are caused by particles expelled by the sun. When these particles encounter the Earth’s magnetic shield, they are drawn to the north and south poles and interact, releasing energy in the form of the stunning spectrum of dancing rays.

Better known as the Northern Lights, they derive their name from Aurora (the Roman goddess of dawn) and Boreas (the Greek name for the north wind). In Shetland and Orkney, they are referred to as the Mirrie Dancers, while in Gaelic folklore, they are known as Na Fir-Chlis – the Nimble Men.

Where can I see the Northern Lights in Scotland?

Although sightings are less frequent than in other locations such as Scandinavia, the Aurora can still be seen across Scotland on darker nights. Heading north on a clear, dark night is your best bet, but if you’re fortunate, the lights can sometimes reach further south.

If you want to head out to view the lights, make sure you dress warmly and pack the right clothing, snacks, and torches for the dark nights. Patience is key as the lights may appear for long durations up to an hour or sometimes only for a few minutes, but either way, they are worth the wait.

Shetland and Orkney

It is logical that going as far north as possible means you have a greater chance of seeing the Aurora. Both of the island archipelagos have many remote spots that are perfect for viewing the Northern Lights.

Stay away from the island capitals – Lerwick and Kirkwall – as well as any other sizeable towns to avoid any light pollution.

Lewis and Harris

While these islands are probably best known for their jaw-dropping beaches, the white sands and aquamarine waters can be eclipsed in beauty by the Aurora as the isles also offer unrivalled views of the Northern Lights on clear nights.

Caithness, Sutherland

If you haven’t planned your stargazing night in advance and are just waiting for a notification from AuroraWatch, then you will likely want to stay on the mainland. Caithness is probably your best option, as it is as fair north as you can go without taking a ferry to the isles.

It has many remote spots and dark sky areas, with very little light pollution, and, as such, boasts some of Scotland’s best viewing spots.

Skye

Back to the islands again, but at least you can drive to Skye without waiting on a ferry. The Trotternish Peninsula in the north of the Misty Isle has several Dark Sky Discoveries sites, which provide ideal viewing conditions for Aurora-spotting.

Coll

Scotland’s Dark Sky Island is home to a community committed to keeping the lights low, offering some of the most breathtaking spots to witness the Northern Lights and other celestial phenomena.

While Arinagour, Cliad Football pitch, and Totronald are the island’s three dedicated sites for night viewing, thanks to Coll being one of the most westerly points in the Hebrides, almost the entire island provides perfect conditions for stargazing.

Portencross

For those in the Central Belt who want to see the Aurora but can’t face a trip to the far north, Portencross in North Ayrshire may be your best bet. The dark sky area provides some of the best views of the Northern Lights in the mainland and gives the opportunity for some amazing photos with the Aurora lighting up Portencross Castle.

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