February 03, 2023 3 min read
Some of the largest expanses of dark skies in Europe are in Scotland and they make perfect locations for a few nights spent stargazing. Scotland even has three designated ‘International Dark Sky Places’ that are protected from light pollution - Galloway Forest Park, Tomintoul and Glenlivet in the Cairngorms National Park and the Isle of Coll. Some of our night skies are so dark you can see the Milky Way and even the Northern Lights.
We’ve compiled a list of six of Scotland's cosiest cabins that boast amazing views inside and out of our stars.
57 Nord offer two Scandi inspired cabins in the remote highlands, Sky House and Hill House. Nestled in the Kintail mountains both cabins have floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views across Loch Duich to the stunning Eilean Donan Castle. The Scottish Highlands are known for their clear starry skies and you can often catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you visit during the autumn and winter. The Isle of Skye is also known for its fantastic night skies and with the island being only 15 minutes away from these cosy cabins you’ve got plenty of chance to see some stunning night sky views.
A treehouse in the forests of Uist, one of the islands in the Outer Hebrides, is the perfect setting for enjoying a relaxing Scottish staycation. Huge windows and high up balconies offer sea views during the day and some of the best starry sky views at night. The islands of the Outer Hebrides are known for their limited light pollution and awe inspiring views of the stars and Milky Way.
Milovaig house is a renovated 19th century crofters house that sits up on the cliffs on the Isle of Skye. From every window in the house you have views out over Loch Pooltiel, a sea loch that is often frequented by dolphins and whales. The complete absence of light pollution around Milovaig House makes for incredible viewing of the night sky and the Northern lights that are often spotted over Skye in the winter.
Broch Loch Eco Retreats are situated on the edge of Galloway Forest Park, one of Scotland’s International Dark Sky Parks. Brochloch Bothy has beautiful floor to ceiling windows to admire the views over the 190 acres of unbroken scenery around Brochloch farm. Brochloch Treehouse is nestled in a bluebell wood with a stunning sky light built in for some amazing views of the stars. Both the bothy and the treehouse are fully off grid and are powered by solar panels and heated by log burners.
Airship 002 is hailed as one of the most unique stays in Scotland. Sleeping 2 the aluminium pod is situated in a private 4 acre plot in Drimin, an incredibly remote area in Argyll and Bute. Boasting a huge curved window at the front of the pod with views out over the Sea to the Isle of Mull. The remote area and lack of artificial light means the night skies here are something to behold. Portholes in the walls and roof of the bedroom mean you can cosy up and fall asleep staring up at the stars.
White House Lodge is an eco-friendly modern conversion of a derelict farm cottage on the Isle of Coll. The Isle of Coll is internationally recognised as a Dark Sky Community meaning there are measures in place to ensure the night sky is preserved and light pollution is kept to a minimum. Situated high up on the cliffs, all the big windows allow for amazing sea views during the day and spectacular views of the stars and the milky way at night.
You can find more information on the Northern Lights and their activity here. If stargazing in Scotland has peaked your interest check out our blogs on Astrophotography and Stargazing in Scotland.
Comments will be approved before showing up.