Loch site selected for new Dumfries and Galloway observatory

Loch site selected for new Dumfries and Galloway observatory

A £1.5 million new observatory is set to be built on the banks of Clatteringshaws Loch.

The site within Galloway Forest Park was recently bought by the board of trustees of The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory (SDSO) to build the new observatory, backed with £200,000 of grant funding from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

Board chairman Marc Charron said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have secured the purchase of such a wonderful site on which to create a new astronomical observatory.



“We are determined to create an outstanding facility that will inspire people for generations to come in the wonders to behold in a truly dark night sky.”

It comes three years after the former observatory in Dalmellington in Ayrshire was destroyed by a fire. A return to the former site was ruled out last year following a feasibility study due to poor accessibility, lack of utilities and security concerns.

With plans to open in late 2026, the new site was chosen for both the exceptional quality of the dark night skies overhead and because of its relatively low population density, low levels of obtrusive artificial light and accessibility.

With the planned telescope equipment, visitors will be able to see numerous nebulae, star clusters and galaxies, which are difficult or impossible to view from urban or light polluted skies. The observatory will also be well placed to observe transient phenomena like meteor showers, aurora, and comets, as well as providing daytime viewing of the sun through specialised solar telescopes.



The new observatory will comprise two observing domes, each featuring a large telescope, and a 360° planetarium offering immersive educational shows and night-sky simulations. In addition, there will be educational spaces, an exhibition area, a gift shop and a café, creating a number of jobs and volunteering positions.


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