East Ayrshire observatory set for construction

Dec 16 2011 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

EVER wished you could be nearer the stars in the night sky?

Well now that dream could come true thanks to an ambitious project in East Ayrshire.

The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is finally ready for construction after two long years of fundraising.

Now the public observatory, to be built in the hills above Loch Doon, is set to bring the Milky Way closer than ever before.

The charity group behind the group hope their observatory will be open by June next year.

House powerful telescopes, projections and a visitor centre, it is set to put a tiny corner of Ayrshire on the map.

Observatory manager, Cath Seeds, said: “We want to share the excitement of astronomy as widely as we can.

“Often, the science of astronomy can feel overwhelming, so we want the observatory to help visitors connect by bringing together nocturnal natural history and arts and crafts inspired by the night sky.

“We are not only passionate about making astronomy accessible for all, we also feel very strongly about our local communities and our environment.

“We want to play a role in the future development of this area. Great things are occurring and great talent is abundant.

“Our role is to improve science in our community, whether by inspiring the next generation of scientists or providing the spark needed by an inventor to produce something truly remarkable.”

A string of exciting events are already being lined up to herald the grand opening of the observatory, which has won support from schools and a range of other stakeholders within the community.

And Craigengillan Estate owner and trustee, Mark Gibson, insists the observatory can create a bright new future for East Ayrshire.

He said: “More than anything, it will inspire people of all ages and backgrounds with a sense of wonder at the vastness and beauty of the heavens and the revelation of man’s place within the universe.”

The Observatory’s patron professor, John Brown, the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, added: “This is a terrific and impressive achievement.

“The Observatory will be an enormous asset for astronomy, research and education, tourism and the Scottish economy.”