Dark Skies Gigha is a volunteer-led charity (SC051611) and community group based on the Isle of Gigha in Scotland.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to introduce as many people as we can to the outstanding beauty of the skies; to support experiences of awe and wonder which foster knowledge building and understanding of astronomy/space exploration/science and technology; to share stories of the night sky which are strong in our language and culture; and to enhance people's wellbeing through direct connection with nature and the natural cycle of the year.
We also advise, inform and educate so that people can take action to reduce light pollution and its effects on people, nature and the environment.
OUR DARK SKIES
Thanks to the hard work of the Dark Skies Gigha group, the huge expanse of dark sky and minimal light pollution, a site at the north of the island has been named as a Dark sky Discovery Site by the UK Dark Sky Discovery Partnership. Gigha's site is Milky Way class, the highest designation, because it is possible to see our galaxy, the Milky Way, very clearly on a dark cloudless night.
This award makes the Isle of Gigha one of the top twenty most remote zones in Scotland which have been designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site in the Milky Way class. With the help of the community the ambition is to achieve international Dark Sky Island status over the next few years.
JOIN US
We welcome you to the Isle of Gigha to enjoy a wide range of activities such as community astronomy events and festivals which promote stargazing, sky-watching and moon-chasing!
Our Yearly Festivals Include:
Love Dark Skies Festival in February
Perseids Party in August
Dark Skies Winter Festival in November
We also facilitate community-led tourism on Gigha and promote education, careers and employment in STEM, Astronomy, Space, Gaelic Culture and Creative Industries.
PRIVATE STARGAZING & SKY WATCHING EXPERIENCES
We offer private stargazing & skywatching experiences for groups for 8 or more. These include guided walks, cultural and arts activities in the outdoors.
Our Services
SKY BAG RENTALS
Locals and Visitors to Gigha can hire our Sky Bags which contain: binoculars, stargazing and skywatching guides, nighttime and daytime biodiversity resources.
DARK SKIES WORKSHOPS
We offer Art, Science and cultural workshops for organisations, businesses and groups customised to your interests and needs. We specialise in facilitating and designing outdoor experiences for all ages.
CONNECT WITH US
For all the latest news and updates on all our activities follow us on Facebook:
We also write in the Gigha Newsletter which is sent out to members of the community on the Isle of Gigha.
Booklets and Printed Guides are available across all major tourism venues on the Isle of Gigha, at the Dark Skies Theatre and at the Visitors Information Hut. See Link below to download our booklet.