Short Statement from (Joint) Communities of Strathnairn and Stratherrick & Foyers through SSG | For Item 11 at the HC Economy & Infrastructure Committee Meeting
For 28 May 2026
Strathnairn Stargazing Group has welcomed news that Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee is to consider a draft Dark Skies planning policy; a move that would make Highland one of the first local authorities in the UK to formally take light pollution into account when assessing new developments.
In 2000 the rural community of Strathnairn first rejected a proposal to introduce street-lighting to the Inverarnie area. Whilst this long-standing agreement between the community and local authority has remained in place, a generation on, the community has recognised that doing nothing more is not an option.
In an increasingly ‘developed’ world there are limited places left which don’t suffer from light pollution. Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. In this respect – and at this particular moment in time – the Highlands is unique. It is one of the very few remaining areas at a national and pan-European level onshore where Dark Skies and a view of the universe can still be fully experienced.
At a local level Strathnairn recognises that what has been protected in the past – as the Strath’s Dark Skies – may not be protected in the future. The region is recognisably under a massive period of change, development and growth; aimed at addressing climate change, promoting opportunity and investment, and reversing migration, economic decline and poverty. Whilst we openly support this we are acting – and at speed – to safe-guard what the community values as these changes come through.
SSG is leading a joint application to DarkSky International for Dark Sky Community accreditation on behalf of the neighbouring communities of Strathnairn and Stratherrick & Foyers. The application is supported by both community councils and their respective community benefit funds, and has confirmed backing from the John Muir Trust and Strathnairn Heritage Association. The aim is to secure long-term protection for the night sky over the two straths and to preserve, for residents and visitors alike, the view of the heavens that the area still enjoys. If successful, the joint communities would become only the second Dark Sky Community in Scotland, after the Isle of Coll.
As a community – in line with the above – we have triggered engagement with developers, the local authority and other stakeholders to educate on Dark Skies and inform and support our application. In our experience, most are receptive to this on account of the protection of the environment, addressing climate change and more. It is timely, promoting thinking and actions, and we are finding much support along the way.
To this end >
ON PLANNING & SPECIFICATION
A policy which supports Dark Skies does not prevent outdoor lighting being installed, instead it triggers an environmentally-led decision-making process.
A dark-sky friendly lighting policy first reduces the need, reduces the duration of illumination, and critically ensures that the specification and installation – where determined to be unavoidable – is compatible with minimising any resultant light pollution.
Colour, strength, direction, duration, type plus where the lighting is to be installed – for example – are all determining factors.
These simple measures led by first reducing or minimising the need, protects the environment, reduces demand on energy and then if required – caught at planning through to the detailed design and specification – minimises the resultant light polluting effect and preserves the region’s overhead dark skies.
Introducing this at planning critically shifts thinking and puts this directly into the sights of designers, developers and installers right down to householders at the outset; with this positively influencing specification on building, infrastructure or landscape developments – including renovations or new works to existing properties – and regardless of size.
This thinking should also be extended to construction phase planning for ‘Extended Temporary Works’ associated with realising large scale energy & other infrastructure projects, major housing developments etc; as well as in the resultant operational phase.
ON ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH & WELL-BEING, HERITAGE, CULTURE, TOURISM & LOCAL ECONOMY
A policy which supports Dark Skies does recognise, protect and value both the environment and natural asset that is the Highland’s Dark Skies.
A dark-sky friendly planning policy will support biodiversity & nature restoration, contribute to addressing climate change, support health & well-being in the population and value heritage.
In addition it will increase tourism and economic growth – specifically over low seasons and the winter months – as this is one of the few remaining areas in the UK mainland, and wider Europe that is currently not affected by widespread light pollution.
There is much to be valued and protected. Introducing this policy – and now – will leave a positive and lasting legacy (which aligns with the broader vision for this region) effective from now, and for generations to follow.