The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is at the edge of Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park on the Craigengillan estate in Ayrshire.

The park, which spans 300 sq m, was awarded its status by the International Dark Sky Association in November 2009.

Largely organised by Forestry Commission Scotland, achieving the status involved every light bulb in the area being changed to downward-facing "dark-sky" bulbs, to stop light pollution. Forty-seven residents living within the confines of the park also changed their bulbs to support the bid.

To find out more about Galloway Dark Sky Park go to surprise.visitscotland.com.