Dundee’s Mills Observatory marks 90 years of stargazing and discovery

One of Dundee’s brightest landmarks is celebrating a major milestone – 90 years of bringing the stars a little closer to home.

Mills Observatory, perched on Balgay Hill, has reopened for the winter season, marking the anniversary with record visitor numbers and new funding to secure its future.

The celebrations are giving a new generation the chance to discover Scotland’s first purpose-built public observatory.

On October 28, 1935, the papier-mâché dome of the Mills Observatory creaked open for the very first time, unveiling a shining, starry sky.

Ninety years on, it remains a beacon of curiosity and inspiration.

Paul Campbell from Mills Observatory told STV News that enduring sense of wonder is what keeps visitors coming back.

“I think it’s so unique, especially in Dundee, there’s nothing else like it,” said Paul.

“You can come and get hands-on with these amazing telescopes, meet staff with all their knowledge, and connect with the Dundee Astronomical Society, who help us with our planetarium evenings.

“All these things come together to make this a completely unique experience, where we’re able to show people worlds beyond their own.”

More than 14,000 people visited the observatory last year – a record for the attraction, which not long ago faced financial uncertainty that threatened its closure.

Now, with fresh funding and a packed programme of events, the future looks bright.

“I think people felt a ‘use it or lose it’ mentality,” said Paul. “Our visitor numbers increased by 121% on the previous year, that’s incredible.

“The passion came out in spades from both visitors and staff. It created this magical year that’s brought us to where we are now, celebrating 90 years.”

At the heart of the anniversary celebrations were local schoolchildren, who received a special visit from the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Professor Catherine Heymans.

“There was a study recently of 15-year-olds, and the one thing they all wanted to know was – is there life out there in the universe?” she said.

“That’s what we all want to know, isn’t it? How did it all begin?

“When you ask small children what they want to be when they grow up, they say they want to be astronauts. It’s the most awe-inspiring and beautiful thing out there.

“John Mills left his money to found this observatory because he wanted the people of Dundee to experience the wonders and beauty of the universe.

“I’m just delighted that today we’re still able to make that happen.”