Eclipse party: Where to watch the once-in-a-lifetime event in Scotland?

Scotland is preparing to witness a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse.

The extremely rare event will occur on Wednesday, August 12, when the moon passes directly in front of the sun, plunging Scotland into near-darkness for a brief time.

While it is only a partial eclipse, it will still block out most of the sun’s rays, as much as 93% in some areas of the west coast.

Insight

Your complete guide to the solar eclipse in Scotland

Sean Batty

Miss this solar eclipse and you will have to wait another 64 years for the next one.

In Edinburgh and Glasgow, the “first contact” is expected at around 6.08pm with the peak at 7.05pm and the end of the eclipse at 8pm.

So where can people gather to see the eclipse in all its celestial glory?

Edinburgh

The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh is hosting a partial eclipse viewing party on the top of the city’s Carlton Hill and Arthur’s Seat.

The event will offer free eclipse glasses, as people are warned not to look directly at the eclipse.

There will also be viewing telescopes available.

Blackford Hill is also touted as a great spot to see the eclipse.

Lanarkshire

Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre, Eaglesham

The Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre is hosting an evening of fun and crafts in the run-up to the eclipse.

They are also running guided tours up to Blackwood Hill to see the eclipse.

Red Burn Farm, Blantyre

Red Burn Farm Restaurant is hosting a community celebration to discover the wonders of astronomy while safely observing one of the UK’s most impressive celestial events.

The event begins at 6pm, with certified eclipse glasses provided free of charge courtesy of Go Stargazing.

Dundee

Mills Observatory is hosting a special public viewing at the castle with views west along the River Tay.

Broughty Castle Museum and its grounds will remain open until 8.30 pm for the event.

Certified eclipse glasses will be available to purchase from the Castle Shop.

East Lothian

Dirleton Solar Walk – a 1:3.6 billion scale model of the Solar System – will open from 6.30pm for visitors to view the partial eclipse.

Certified glasses will be available for safe solar viewing, with donations welcomed in support of Dirleton Primary School.

Moray

Elgin

Organised by SIGMA, Moray’s Astronomy Club will be at Masstowie Primary School.

The event will see club members on hand to provide solar viewing glasses.

The event is free and open to everyone.

Tomintoul Skyhide Stargazing Pavilion

Join Cairngorms Astronomy Group at the Field of Hope near Tomintoul for a public viewing of the partial solar eclipse.

Experienced astronomers will have a specially filtered solar telescope available, along with certified eclipse glasses.

The event is free and open to everyone.

Highlands

Jim Savage-Lowden Observatory, Culloden Battlefield

Held at one of Scotland’s most historic battle sites, the Highlands Astronomical Society has organised a viewing party to watch the solar eclipse from 6pm until 8pm.

Argyll

Westport Beach Car Park, Mull of Kintyre

The event is organised by the Kintyre and Gigha Night Sky Group at Westport Beach Car Park, it has a great western vantage point.

Safe solar viewing equipment, including specially certified eclipse glasses, will be available.

In addition, informal gatherings are reported to be held at high vantage points across Glasgow, including the Necropolis, Queens Park and Cathkin Braes, the highest point in the city.