The 6 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Scotland

Although the general rule of auroral thumb favours Scotland’s northern reaches, there are those occasions when Edinburgh and the surrounding areas that stretch along the Fife Coast are transformed by the Northern Light’s luminous display. The best areas to spot the Northern Lights in this already stunning city are Calton Hill, Blackford Hill and Arthur’s Seat. Such times rely on the stars’ alignment and require jet-black skies, limited light pollution and intensified solar activity. From the tip of Arthur’s Seat to the beaches of East Lothian and Fife, Scotland’s many hills and undisturbed landscapes are a fine place to start. Be sure to book ahead to secure incredible tours across Fife.

You can’t help but feel a sense of liberating insignificance when the sight of the Northern Lights shimmy upon Scotland’s remote and northerly areas such as Shetland, Orkney and Caithness. Crisper than a freshly fallen bout of snow, the clear dark nights, northern position and notable lack of light pollution raise the chances of experiencing this natural phenomenon. Known as the ‘Mirrie’ or ‘Merry Dancers’ by Shetlanders who have created many tales and stories that have been passed around the community. Poetic and intuitive, the otherworldly Aurora Borealis or ‘Mirrie Dancers’ have become a large part of Shetland, Orkney and Caithness’ identity. And dance they do.

A place steeped in legend and with plenty of magical scenery, the Isle of Skye exceeds its stereotypes. Due to the vast patches of unpolluted skies, Skye boasts a grand total of nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites, each inundated with celestial alchemy from the milky way to an infestation of stars. Should the planets align, the Aurora Borealis can reveal themselves between October and March, particularly in wide open areas and atop snow-kissed Munros. Adding to the already enchanting essence, Glendale is often aglow with auroras. With so much privacy, peace and space on the Isle of Skye, it feels as though the Aurora Borealis are putting a show on just for you. If you manage to time your trip at a time when the dancers shine bright in the sky, this will be an unforgettable trip.

The Outer Hebridean island of Lewis and Harris sings to the soul with its mixture of terrains and endless list of historical and natural riches — think the Callanish Stones, romantic beaches, ancient buildings and brooding mountains. Full of natural wonder, Lewis and Harris, while under the auroral spell, are truly extraordinary. Add to the already amazing opportunity of seeing the beautiful Aurora Borealis by sprinkling in some adventure into your trip. Both the Isle of Lewis and Harris boast stunning landscapes to enjoy wild camping, something to make your experience of the Aurora Borealis even more unique and memorable.

A space where dolphins meet star-studded skies, Scotland’s Aberdeenshire and Moray Coast play host to a smattering of tree-rimmed landscapes and picturesque coastal views. Thanks to a carpet of clear, dark skies and wide-open northern horizons, these untamed Scottish terrains are also a magnet for Aurora Hunters. Decked out with their very own bothy, Sigma, the Moray Astronomy Club are aurora-spotting veterans well versed in the art of stargazing. Be sure to head to the club to meet other stargazers and learn more about the tales of the sky as you soak in the intricate details of the stunning Aurora Borealis.

Just as many of life’s most beautiful moments arise from times of unplanned darkness, the liquorice skies of the Isle of Coll are a point of sheer wonder. These ebony swathes attract animated constellations, galaxies and more stars than you could ever imagine. As Scotland’s only ‘Dark Sky Island’, the Coll community are committed to combating light pollution wherever possible, including the decision to forgo street lights. Coll’s admirable Dark Sky status renders it a dreamy destination for auspicious sightings like the Northern Lights and other dances of the stars in the sky. With skies this crisp and clear, no action in the sky goes amiss Peaceful, remote and beautiful, an experience to remember for a lifetime.