Experiencing the Northern Lights features on many travel wish lists, and although locations such as Norway and Iceland offer the best chance to spot this natural phenomenon, you can also see the Northern Lights in Scotland which is certainly a little closer to home.
What are the Northern Lights?
Also known as Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are a natural wonder which occur when atoms and molecules in our atmosphere collide with charged particles from the sun that have been caught in the Earth’s magnetic field. The result is coloured curtains of light combining green, purple, blue, and pink to create something truly spectacular. The Northern Lights are predominantly green in colour as this is the colour that oxygen turns in the air when heated. The other colours are visible due to the presence of nitrogen particles.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, the Northern Lights are sometimes visible in Scotland when the conditions are right. Set on the same latitude as Stavanger in Norway and Nunivak Island in Alaska, northern Scotland is the perfect place to spot the Northern Lights in the UK – the the further north you head the higher your chance of seeing them will be.
When can I see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is during the autumn and winter months between September and March. This is because the nights are longer and darker which will make the lights easier to see. The Northern Lights are most visible on clear, cold nights with no clouds to cover the light show; and heading out in the early hours of the morning will definitely increase your chances of a fantastic display. You should also opt for a location with little light pollution, away from big towns and cities, as the darker the sky is the better!
Where can I see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
There’s lots of choice when it comes to picking where to see the Northern Lights in Scotland. From islands and forests to spots along the coast, these are just some of your options:
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Shetland Islands
Located between mainland Scotland and Norway, it’s unsurprising that the Shetland Islands are one of the best places to spot the Northern Lights from. Home to lovely beaches, a dramatic coastline, and impressive cliffs, the Shetland Islands offer a lovely outdoor escape regardless of whether you manage to see the Northern Lights during your visit. For your best chance of seeing the lights, stay clear of large towns, such as Lerwick, and visit during the winter months.
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The Cairngorms
Named as one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis in 2018, head to the Cairngorms for a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland. Ensuring that you face north is a must if you want to see the lights for yourself, and the Cairngorm Mountain car park offers a great spot for doing this from. Elsewhere, the Glenlivet Estate boasts three Dark Sky Discovery Sites which have little light pollution and offer unrivalled views of the sky. Other than the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, the Cairngorms National Park is perfect for nature lovers thanks to its mountains, forests, and stunning lochs.
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The Galloway Forest Park
Awarded Dark Sky Park status by the International Dark-Sky Association, the Galloway Forest Park is the place to be for stargazers and Northern Lights spotting. The thing that makes the skies above the Galloway Forest Park so dark is that barely anyone lives within 300 square miles, meaning that it’s free from light pollution which can otherwise dull the Northern Lights. In addition to its stunning night skies, the Galloway Forest Park is Britain’s largest forest park and offers lots of walking, cycling, and fishing opportunities.
If you’d love to see the Northern Lights in Scotland, why not travel there from Larne via our ferry from Northern Ireland? Offering the quickest way to cross the Irish Sea, this route takes just two hours so you could see the Northern Lights sooner than you might think. Book your tickets today!
