Scotland and The Northern Lights

[P.Turnbuckle]

Good Afternoon.

Currently planning a trip to Scotland to see the Northern lights, and I have a few questions:

1. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
2. Where is the best area of Scotland for seeing them?

Further information and recommendations for accommodation will be much appreciated. We want to stay in a small cottage in a reasonably remote area (i.e. open fire and peace and quiet), any suggestions as to how we could go about finding such a place would be excellent.

Thanks in advance for your response,

All the best,

PT

[VHG]

I did a Google search for "Northern Lights Scotland" and found loads of web sites.

Here is one as an example (loads of others)

http://www.beforeyoud...k/Northern-Lights.htm

[dzug]

1. At certain stages of the sunspot cycle - which I believe is not right now. And in a cold dry spell - unpredictable.
2. The further north the better.

The chances of seeing them in Scotland aren't that high.

[thugulike]

Wherever you go make sure it's when the moon is at its smallest. Too much light can spoil your chances.

[SeaJayPea]

In Neither Here Nor There, Bill Bryson describes a trip he made to Hammerfest, the northernmost inhabited town in Europe, to see this. He went in the middle of winter, in the howling cold, stayed a month (I think) and saw it just once.

I've travelled all over Scotland at all times of the year, on many occasions both on holiday and while working, and I've never seen them there - or anwhere else for that matter.

Scotland's a great place to visit, I'll move there one day, but don't go expecting this phenomenon. Just go and enjoy the views, the people, the food and the peace and quiet. I'd recommend the likes of Applecross, Shieldaig or Gairloch - all on the north west coast. Or Ullapool if you want a bit more life. Enjoy.

[Drisgirl]

Its quite rare to see the Northern Lights in Scotland mores the pity:(

I have booked a 3hr flight for a pressie flying from Edinburgh in January -and its not until they are in Icelandic airspace that the chances of seeing them are heightened.

I would suggest contacting the Scottish Tourist Board and they would be pleased to send out accomodation brochures to you.I use them all the time when I am booking and I live in Scotland !!

Hope you have a nice trip if you decide to come here :)

[Drisgirl]

oops -just read the link properly and Nairn is indeed a fabulous place to visit and it would meet most of what you want.We have a weekend away there at least once a year.

[VIPApartments]

The best time to see northern lights in a winter time, however a night needs to be cold and without clouds.And go to the north!