SSG | Community-based Astronomy & Protection of Dark Skies

STRATHNAIRN STARGAZING GROUP (SSG)

 

‘Only in the darkness can you see the stars’ | Martin Luther King Jr

Protect & enjoy the Dark Skies of the South Loch Ness Dark Sky Communities of Strathnairn plus Stratherrick & Foyers

The Strathnairn Stargazing Group is a community astronomy organisation working to protect and formally recognise the exceptional dark skies above Strathnairn. In 2025 we completed a 43-site sky brightness survey that informed – along with others – Highland Council’s consideration of the development of Scotland’s first regional Dark Skies planning policy led by a local authority in May 2026. We are now pursuing full Dark Sky Community accreditation from DarkSky International for South Loch Ness Dark Sky Communities.

 

Early works & background context >

  • 2000 > Community of Strathnairn challenges and rejects Local Authority’s proposed installation of Street Lighting at new housing development at Inverarnie, Strathnairn; in seeking to preserve the community’s Dark skies.
  • 2007> Highland Council acknowledges the community’s stance to preserve Dark Skies, and informs Strathnairn that the new housing development will proceed but without the planned installation of street lighting.
  • 2017 > Strathnairn’s CDT’s Caroline Tucker (now with Stratherrick & Foyers CDT) along with astronomer Stephen Mackintosh, undertake some sample surveying to assess and promote Strathnairn’s Dark Skies. https://modulouniverse.com/2017/09/18/dark-skies-at-strathnairn/

 

Recent activities & key achievements > Through to Spring 2026

 

Forthcoming plans & core outreach > From Summer 2026 onwards

Jun 26

  • 03 Jun 26 >  (Community) Engagement & education commences with incoming wind farm developers SSE (Consented)  Aberarder | SSE Renewables. For support and to realise community development opportunities associated with SSE’s acquisition of Aberarder Schoolhouse in connection with South Loch Ness Dark Sky Communities, SSG & SHA.
  • 14 Jun 26 > SSG’s Dr Andy McGregor & SHA’s Tim Rose join artist & silversmith Dougie  Scott About us | Tain Silver to examine Gask’s Ring Cairn & Standing Stones  MHG3476 – Ring cairn – Mains of Gask – Highland Historic Environment Record & Mains of Gask,ring cairn and standing stones 130m SSW of (SM4651). Forthcoming community talk will likely emerge from this visit and related works, over Autumn/Winter period.
  • 15-17 Jun 26 > (Community) Engagement & education commences with incoming wind farm developers Nadara Farr Wind Farm | Nadara  (Proposed extension) & Vattenfall Glenmarkie – Vattenfall (Proposed development) over recognition & protection of Dark Skies associated with South Loch Ness Dark Sky Communities.
  • 20/21 Jun 26 > Summer Solstice community-led event.
  • 30 Jun 26 > Submission of full application to DSI UK seeking South Loch Ness Dark Sky Community accreditation for Strathnairn plus Stratherrick & Foyers.

Jul 26

Aug 26

Sep 26

  • 15-20 Sep > SSG’s Dr Andy McGregor has submitted several photos for inclusion in 6 day immersive space exhibition PHOTONICA — Space Exhibition @ Cutty Sark Building, Ayr.
  • Sep-Dec 26 > Phase 2 |  Dr Andy McGregor (& Stephen Mackintosh) to lead & conduct Sky Brightness Surveys across Stratherrick & Foyers.

 

Press & publications

 

Related press

 

Related references

At a Scottish-wide level, see our partner organisation > Scottish Dark Skies | Protecting Scotland’s wild dark skies  “We are a committee of astronomers and astrophotographers who are demanding the mitigation of artificial light pollution for the sake of public health, the economy, and the environment”.  https://scotdarkskies.org/

The Welsh Government has adopted a national policy in planning for the protection of Dark Skies and produced the following reference material Dark skies: planning guidance | GOV.WALES See Good Practice Guidance: Planning for the Conservation and Enhancement of Dark Skies in Wales Quick Guide dark-skies-summary | Good Practice Guidance: Planning for the Conservation and Enhancement of Dark Skies in Wales dark-skies-good-practise-guidance

Also see the following reference material on carrying ModeS transponders in aircraft https://www.pagerpower.com/news/the-2026-state-of-play-for-cooperative-automatic-detection-lighting-systems-in-the-uk/ and / or onshore radar systems to reduce turbine lighting duration adls-onshore-a4-v5-online (2)

 

ON DARK SKIES INTERNATIONAL & LEADING A (JOINT) COMMUNITY APPLICATION

In 2026, to ensure this continues to be the case, and following on from the community’s earlier and ongoing work from 2000 onwards, Strathnairn Stargazing Group (SSG) – with support of our local community councils (SNCC and SFCC) and our respective community benefit funds – are currently leading a joint ‘Dark Sky Community’ Application.  This is through the Dark Skies International (DSI UK).

This is to ensure our dark skies are rightfully recognised; and continue to be protected for generations to come. See Strathnairn’s Dark Skies_Information Leaflet May 2025

For more information on Dark Skies International see  DarkSky International | Protecting the night skies for present and future generations

For IDA Facebook updates see Facebook

Photograph | The Milky Way from Loch Ruthven, Strathnairn by David Huxtable-Reid.

 

STRATHNAIRN LIGHT LEVEL SURVEYS / FIELD STUDIES | RECORDING THE EXISTING LEVELS OF ‘DARKNESS’

In Spring 2025, initial sampling of existing data from established survey points, was commissioned through local astronomer Stephen Mackintosh | Modulo | Universe | Astronomer, Mathematician & Data Scientist Stephen Mackintosh by SSG. This determined that significant parts of Strathnairn would likely be ‘Bortle 3 | Rural Sky Classification’ on The Bortle Scale (which ranges from Class 1 / Excellent Dark Sky site / no light pollution > Class 9 / Inner city site / with light pollution).

Bortle 3 Classification characteristics include the Milky Way still appearing complex; with zodiacal light striking in spring and autumn, colour still visible etc.

In Summer 2025, new field studies – as light level surveys to record the baseline data throughout Strathnairn – were commissioned again by SSG. This work was undertaken jointly by astronomers/astrophysicists Stephen Mackintosh (Inverness resident) and Dr Andy McGregor (Chair of SSG & Strathnairn resident), over the months of astronomical darkness from September to December 2025.

The following 3 short reports – produced for the community of Strathnairn and to support our DSI Application – document the detailed findings, and confirm the initial data sampling to be correct:

To conclude this work in full, a second phase of surveys is planned for the neighbouring community of Stratherrick & Foyers over September to December 2026. When astronomical darkness returns again this year, this work will record the equivalent on-the-ground baseline data; with data sampling at the outset pointing to Stratherrick & Foyers – at a greater distance from Inverness – to be darker still.

 

WHY THE JOINT COMMUNITIES ARE SEEKING DSI RECOGNITION

What has changed and is changed that has motivated the communities to rethink & reinforce their position?

Several things:

  • A widespread move to the adoption of more ‘energy efficient and affordable’ LED lighting sources; aimed at ‘increasing illumination’, ‘improving ‘security’, ‘embracing new technologies’ and ‘delivering energy savings’.  These are notably creeping in, even at the smallest scale of incoming development; seen externally in the flood lighting of buildings, small scale housing developments and across landscaping works.
  • Inverness is going through a planned period of rapid change and expansion. Through expansion there is a recognised risk of coalescence with neighbouring rural communities, resulting in urban creep and with this the rolling out of associated infrastructure – including street lighting – which compromises dark skies.
  • As UK and Scottish Governments adopt a Natural Capital Approach to development, multiple large scale ‘energy infrastructure‘ or ‘development projects’ are seeking or being consented within the rural setting.  Whilst our communities openly support renewables, and the ‘right development in the right place’; consenting invariably brings both construction phase (site, plant, vehicles) and operational lighting requirement in rural settings – polluting dark skies through a construction phase or indefinitely through the introduction of ‘unregulated’ and/or ‘polluting’ industrial lighting – where previously there was none.
  • Several of the above proposals include the provision of ‘temporary’ work camps (as mini settlements) with up to 24hr operations over several years, all requiring industrial level lighting.  This is being charted across projects currently in planning or which have been consented; and without any legislative protection rural communities are powerless to challenge this aspect and preserve dark skies.
  • Recognition that doing nothing is not optional; it is not a given that what has been protected in the past will be protected in the future.
  • Equally that any past agreement or understanding, without being legislative nor with a method of enforcement, has no standing.
  • That we are – and must – address twin crises of ‘nature restoration’ and ‘climate change’ together; and the protection of Dark Skies is an integral part of this.

With this – as rural communities we have come together – to seek a designation as Dark Sky Communities.

This aligns with DSI core principles which recognise our dark skies and protect our environment; as light pollution disrupts wildlife, impacts human health, wastes money and energy, contributes to climate change, and blocks our view of the universe.

Along with a DSI application, this opportunity has a natural synergy with The John Muir Trust (for protection of Wild Spaces & the Monadhliath Mountains), Strathnairn Heritage Association (for protection of Natural & Built Heritage), and Visit Scotland (Driving the visitor economy, growing its value in Scotland).

‘When we look into space, we are looking at our own origins, because we are all truly children of the stars’ | Brian Cox

 

ON JOHN MUIR TRUST & PROTECTION OF WILD SPACES INCLUDING THE MONADHLIATH MOUNTAINS

The John Muir Trust is a leading voice for the UK’s wild places; dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of the UK’s wild places, for the benefit of all.

Founded in 1983, JMT recently celebrated 40 years of caring for some of the finest wild places in the UK, including Ben Nevis, Helvellyn and Sandwood Bay.  Right now there is a focus on the protection of the Monadhliath Mountains and their associated Wild Spaces; as Major Energy Infrastructure works start to encroach on this area.

See Fighting Fund Appeal

The John Muir Trust have confirmed their support for SSG’s Application to DSI.

 

ON STRATHNAIRN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION & PROTECTION OF NATURAL & WIDER HERITAGE IN THE STRATH

Strathnairn Heritage Association, a registered charity (SC052263). SHA are a small but enthusiastic group of volunteers, dedicated to researching the history of our Strath.  See Strathnairn Heritage Association | A Brief History  

For an understanding of the biodiversity and natural heritage to be protected across Strathnairn see Strathnairn Heritage Association | Natural Heritage

Or the work of Findhorn Watershed’s ‘Human Ecology Researcher in Residence’ (plus Strathnairn resident) Raghnaid Sandilands in mapping Gaelic place names to wild spaces and natural heritage AN SEALBHANAICH – AN UNMAPPED PLACENAME IN STRATHNAIRN — a’ siubhal nam frith-rathadan

Strathnairn Heritage Association have confirmed their support for SSG’s Application to DSI.

 

ON VISIT SCOTLAND & DARK SKY TOURISM | DARK SKY PARKS & STARGAZING IN SCOTLAND

The night sky is one of nature’s most magnificent sights. Scotland is one of the best destinations for stargazing and is home to Europe’s second Dark Sky Park, the first of its kind in the UK. Discover the magic of our Dark Sky Discovery Sites – places that experience low or practically non-existent levels of light pollution, offering clear views of the glittering night sky. Experience nature at its best and make unforgettable memories after dark.

Dark Sky Parks & Stargazing in Scotland | VisitScotland

We are currently seeking support from Visit Scotland and others for the same.

 

INFLUENCING LOCAL & REGIONAL POLICY & WIDER CHANGE | PROTECTING DARK SKIES

This has been a multi-pronged approach, through a range of mechanisms and direct actions undertaken collaboratively by SSG, SNCC & SFCC – including but not restricted to – community-led education, engagement, outreach and change. This has been within the community/at a local levels and with wider partners, stakeholders and incoming developers at both regional and national level.

Protection of Dark Skies sits neatly within the NPF4 for Climate Change & Restoring/Protecting Nature, underpinned by policies which support environment, to addressing climate change, to liveable communities, to health & well-being etc.

This can be traced through the emerging Strathnairn Local Place Plan (currently in draft) Proposed Local Place Plan (A4 Landscape) – where we have influenced this inclusion – through to the published Stratherrick & Foyers Local Place Plan Stratherrick and Foyers Local Place Plan – Highland Council

In May 2026 – after community-led education and engagement – the Highland Council are confirmed as now considering a wider policy change to support Communities in seeking Dark Sky Status. Highland councillors to consider new ‘Dark Skies’ planning policy – Highland Council  This has also been reported through the BBC Highland Council proposes dark sky policy to cut light pollution – BBC News

For more information on Inspiring Change see ReSourcE Spring 2026 ‘Igniting trust and inspiring change with Community Learning & Development’ ReSourcE-Spring-Summer-2026-

 

Join Strathnairn Stargazing Group for night time observations and more across the Straths

Whether you are an amateur astronomer, experienced telescopist, aurora hunter or a nocturnal adventurer, across the Straths, our associated ‘dark sky’ is there to be enjoyed by all.  With our unique remote rural setting – defined in part by the Monadhliath Mountains which runs through both – the Straths’ topography means the area remains free from light pollution associated with Inverness City, and the neighbouring trunk road of the A9. This has been reinforced by Strathnairn’s earlier rejection of streetlighting to Inverarnie in 2000; which remains in place today.

SSG are an active community based organisation – currently meeting on a regular basis – to collectively enjoy our dark skies.  This is predominantly over the Autumn/Winter months, through to late April/early May annually (over months of astronomical darkness).

In December 2025, SSG welcomed Glasgow University’s Professor Martin Hendry Professor Martin Hendry : Royal Society of Edinburgh up for an inaugural (& Joint) Community Talk ‘The Science of Starwars’ hendry_flyer. For a sample report of recent community-engagement activities in May 2026, see Strathnairn Community Council | News Third time lucky for Star & Planet Spotting from Strathnairn | Strathnairn Community.

The next community-led session and summer stargazing treat is confirmed as the Perseid Meteor Shower on 12 August 2026; see Strathnairn Community Council | Events, for information and updates. Summer Stargazing Treat_Community-watch of Perseid Meteor Shower | Strathnairn Community  We also post to Eventbrite | What’s on Inverness Inverness, United Kingdom Events, Calendar & Tickets | Eventbrite

Later in 2026 – when dark skies return – everyone can look forward to upcoming ‘Community Talks, Stargazing Sessions, Events & Wider Outreach’ led or curated by local and Strathnairn-resident astrophysicist & astronomer Dr Andy McGregor (Chair of SSG) plus the wider community team.

In the interim, you are most welcome to join Strathnairn Stargazers. See our Strathnairn Stargazers’ Social Media listings for the most current information and events. See Facebook

If you would like to join please download a membership form here Strathnairn Stargazing Group_Membership application form_June2025

Or reach us – anytime – at strathnairnstargazers@gmail.com

 

HERITAGE | LANDSCAPE | DARK SKIES | COMMUNITY | ADVENTURE

 

With thanks to the following local and community-led organisations > 

For community backing & support: Strathnairn Community Council Home | Strathnairn Council | Srath Narann coimhearsnachd | Strathnairn Heritage Fund Strathnairn Heritage Association | Home Page | Strathnairn Community Woodlands About us | Farr Community Hall Farr Community Hall : Online Booking

For community support & funding: Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund SCBF

Other astronomical organisations or related resources >

 

See Stephen Mackintosh's published article on 'Strathnairn's Dark Skies'; 2017
See Strathnairn Stargazers' Facebook
See John Muir Trust: On Scotland's Wild Land Spaces & Fighting Fund

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