Home / Dark skies / Argyll and Bute
Dark sky spots · Scotland
Dark skies in Argyll and Bute
The Isle of Coll has no streetlights and is a designated Dark Sky Community.
Isle of Coll
International Dark Sky Community, designated by DarkSky International in 2013. A Hebridean island with no streetlights, among the first dark sky islands in Scotland.
Any beach away from the few houses gives sea horizons in every direction. More details: https://www.visitcoll.co.uk/
When to go
- September to March gives long, dark nights; in June the sky never gets fully dark across much of the UK.
- Go near the new moon: see our moon calendar.
- Time a visit for a meteor shower, such as the Perseids in August or Geminids in December.
What to bring
- Warm layers, a hat and a flask: it is colder than you think on open ground.
- A red torch to keep your night vision.
- Binoculars: 10×50s show the Moon's craters and Jupiter's moons.
- A sky map app set to red night mode.
Be a good visitor
Park only in proper car parks, keep to paths, close gates and take your litter home. Many sites are working farmland or nature reserves.
Nearby local guides
Our local guides for Glasgow and Stirling list more sacred sites, shops and dark-sky spots.
Questions answered
Where is the darkest sky in Argyll and Bute?
Isle of Coll, an International Dark Sky Community.
When is the best time to stargaze in Argyll and Bute?
Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.
Can I see the Milky Way in Argyll and Bute?
Yes, from Isle of Coll on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.
Key facts (summary)
- The Isle of Coll has no streetlights and is a designated Dark Sky Community.
- Isle of Coll, an International Dark Sky Community.
- Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.
- Yes, from Isle of Coll on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.
Ask Starseed
Try: