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New Scottish Dark Sky Observatory plans get the green light

News imageARPL Architects A computer-generated view of how the new Dark Sky Observatory might look with two domed buildings and a more traditional building beside it set in green countrysideARPL Architects
The observatory - on a new site - will replace the one destroyed by fire

Plans for a new Scottish Dark Sky Observatory (SDSO) in Galloway to replace the old one in Ayrshire, which was destroyed by fire, have been approved.

They will see the conversion and extension of the former Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) visitor centre at the new location of Clatteringshaws near New Galloway.

The old site near Dalmellington, East Ayrshire, was ruled out due to a range of issues and plans were submitted for the £1.5m observatory in Dumfries and Galloway with two observing domes.

The SDSO said it was "delighted" that the project to redevelop and extend the complex had been approved.

News imageARPL Architects A computer-generated view of how the new Dark Sky Observatory might look with two domed buildings and a more traditional building beside it set in green countrysideARPL Architects
Two observing domes will be part of the new observatory

The old observatory was destroyed in a "devastating fire" on 23 June 2021.

After exploring a wide variety of options, the SDSO completed the purchase of the visitor centre - backed by funding from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) - in November 2024.

The site, which enjoys views over Clatteringshaws Loch, is considered ideal for the new facility.

The SDSO submitted plans to the council earlier this year, and they have now been given the go-ahead.

"This planning permission will now allow the trustees to press ahead with their plans to redevelop and extend the former FLS Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre, near New Galloway," said a statement from the trustees.

It added that they would create an "astronomical observatory, planetarium and visitor centre in the heart of the internationally-recognised Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park".

"We will continue to release further project updates as they become available," the trustees added.

News imageDaniel Wilcox Photography A gathering of white buildings next to a large loch with hills in the backgroundDaniel Wilcox Photography
The new site sits near to Clatteringshaws Loch

It is the latest step in the mission to replace the old observatory which has taken more than four-and-a-half years.

A number of options were considered before settling on the site in Galloway.

The aim is to create a unique educational asset and visitor attraction which capitalises on the Dark Sky Park designation secured by the Galloway Forest in 2009 - the first of its kind in the UK.

It will include a 360 degree planetarium as well as a gift shop and small cafe.

Planning approval clears the way for work to begin on bringing the observatory back to life.