Scottish skies dazzle with Northern Lights and Perseids meteor shower display

Skies above Scotland were awash with colour on Monday as the Northern Lights danced in a dazzling display.

On Monday evening, a number of Scots had a front-row seat to the Aurora Borealis which saw the heavens beam with green and pink light.

The evening was made even more special as it marked the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, which can produce up to 100 shooting stars an hour.

The Perseids are caused by debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, which Earth passes through each year.

Northern Lights above Stirling Castle, August 12. Scotdrone

The comet was last visible with binoculars in 1992, it won’t be visible to the naked eye again until 2126.

Residents across Stirlingshire, Aberdeenshire and East Renfrewshire shared images with STV News of the stunning displays.

Unfortunately, levels for the lights are coming down so it’s unlikely to be visible for most on Tuesday night.

However, those who missed out on the spectacular display need not worry, as there are expected to be many more opportunities to catch the lights in the near future.

STV meteorologist Sean Batty said: “Don’t worry if you miss them this time — there will be plenty of opportunities in the next two winters, when the aurora is expected to be particularly active.”

The Northern Lights in Aberdeen, August 12, 2024. Erskine Logan Photography

Stunning displays of the Northern Lights have already been seen across Scotland this year with a strong geometric storm putting on a dazzling display in May.