Scottish Dark Sky Observatory

The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory was an astronomical observatory designed by Glasgow Architects G.D. Lodge and located near Loch Doon Loch Doon, East Ayrshire, Scotland. It was situated on a hilltop site overlooking the Craigengillan Estate and Dalmellington. The site is located in the northern edge of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, and within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, with low levels of light pollution and clear horizon views.

Scottish Dark Sky Observatory

Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Organization	Dark Sky Observatory Ltd
Location	Loch Doon, East Ayrshire, Scotland
Coordinates	55°17′28″N 4°24′17″W
Altitude	253 m (830 ft)
Established	2012
Website	Dark Sky Observatory
Telescopes
20 inch Planewave f/6.8 CDK reflector telescope 14 inch Celestron f/11 SCT reflector telescope
Location of Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Related media on Commons

The observatory was built through 2012 and was officially opened by then First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond.[1] The building and facilities were expanded in 2017 with the addition of a digital planetarium, officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran John Duncan.[2] After opening the observatory saw visitor numbers increase exponentially, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Scotland.[3][4][5]

The SDSO was open all throughout the year, with its main aims being to allow people of all ages and abilities to learn and experience the wonders of astronomy and space, and to be a vital educational resource to children in the region.[6]

The SDSO suffered a devastating fire during the early hours of 23 June 2021. The fire is currently being treated as suspicious.[7]

One year after the fire, the SDSO announced on social media platforms that they have appointed a design team and architect to rebuild the SDSO, although no schedule or plans have been confirmed as yet.