Plans for new Dark Sky Observatory in Dumfries and Galloway submitted four years after devastating fire

Plans have been submitted for a new Dark Sky Observatory more than four years after the original site burned down.

The Observatory at Dalmellington, along with its entire equipment and contents, was destroyed by a fire in 2021.

A return to the former site was ruled out following a feasibility study due to poor accessibility, lack of utilities and security concerns.

The former Forestry Commission visitor centre at Clatteringshaws, in the heart of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, has now been earmarked as the new location for the development due to the quality of its dark night skies and accessibility.

The £1.5m development will comprise two five-metre observing domes, each with a large telescope, and a 360-degree planetarium offering immersive educational shows and night sky simulations.

The site will also offer educational spaces, an exhibition area, a gift shop and a cafe, with trustees saying the project will create a number of jobs and volunteering positions.

The new site for the Dark Skies Observatory ARPL Architects

The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory board previously said the equipment at the new site will enable visitors to see nebulae, star clusters and galaxies, which are difficult or impossible to view from urban or light-polluted skies.

They added that the observatory will also be well placed to observe transient phenomena like meteor showers, aurora, and comets, as well as providing daytime viewing of the sun through specialised solar telescopes.

The site was purchased from Forestry and Land Scotland with the help of a £200,000 grant from South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE).

Dumfries and Galloway Council are set to decide whether the development can go ahead.