Scottish Dark Sky Observatory Secures New Home After Fire

A new location has been identified for the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory (SDSO), which was destroyed by a fire over three years ago. An agreement has been finalized to acquire the former visitor centre of Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) at Clatteringshaws, situated near New Galloway. The SDSO’s board of trustees stated that a return to their previous site near Dalmellington was ruled out due to inadequate accessibility, a lack of utilities, and security concerns. Chairman Marc Charron expressed that they were “absolutely thrilled” to have secured such a “wonderful site.” The original observatory was consumed by a “devastating fire” on 23 June 2021. Since that time, trustees reported that they had been “working tirelessly” to re-establish the observatory and had investigated numerous possibilities across East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway. They noted that they were consistently “drawn back” to Clatteringshaws Loch as the most suitable area for stargazing. The purchase of the old visitor centre has now been completed, supported by a £200,000 contribution from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE). The new £1.5 million observatory planned for the site will feature two observing domes, each housing a large telescope. It will also include a 360-degree planetarium, as well as a gift shop and a small cafe. Mr. Charron extended his thanks to all the groups that had supported the plans. He stated, “We are absolutely thrilled to have secured the purchase of such a wonderful site on which to create a new astronomical observatory.” He further added, “We are determined to create an outstanding facility that will enthuse and inspire people for generations to come in the wonders to behold in a truly dark night sky.” The SDSO characterized the process as a “long process,” but affirmed that the idea of giving up had never “crossed its mind” to “throw in the towel.” It also mentioned that achieving a full settlement on its insurance claim for the old building took longer than expected, but once completed, attention immediately shifted to finding a new and more appropriate site. The group further indicated that the “greatest improvement” would be enhanced overall visitor and vehicle accessibility. It stated that the development, which is anticipated to take approximately two years to complete, possesses “great potential” to deliver a wide array of community and economic benefits. Professor Catherine Heymans, the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, is set to become the SDSO’s patron. She commented: “In Scotland we’re incredibly proud of our internationally-recognised dark sky sites, far from the streetlights that prevent urban-dwellers from seeing the true beauty of the cosmos.” She continued, “When the clouds clear at Clatteringshaws Loch, deep within the Galloway Forest, the sky is literally teeming with stars.” Professor Heymans concluded, “It’s the perfect location for the new SDSO, which, like a phoenix, is rising from the ashes of its much-loved predecessor, renewed as a bigger and better version of what came before.” Anthony Daye, SOSE’s interim place and enterprise director, expressed satisfaction at having supported the site’s acquisition. He remarked that developing the observatory would serve as an example of how the area’s natural resources could be utilized to benefit the region. John Dougan, FLS’s south region manager, added: “The repurposing of the former visitor centre is great news for the area.” He further stated, “It is a great boost for the observatory team, who we have no doubt will transform the building into a major asset for the Dark Sky Park.” David Hope-Jones, chief executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, a tourism body, conveyed that he was “hugely excited” by the news. He suggested that this development could extend the visitor season to the area and, in turn, benefit the wider community and local businesses.