The Dark Sky Observatory finds Galloway’s new home after the fire

A new home has been found for the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory (SDSO) which was destroyed by fire more than three years ago.

A deal has been reached to buy the former Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) visitor center at Clatteringshaws near New Galloway.

The SDSO board of trustees said poor access, lack of utilities and safety concerns had ruled out a return to their old site near Dalmellington.

Chairman Marc Charron said they were “absolutely thrilled” to have secured such a “wonderful venue”.

The old observatory was destroyed in a “devastating fire” on June 23, 2021.

Since then, trustees said they had “worked tirelessly” to bring it back to life and explored a range of options across East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

They said they kept being “drawn” to Clatteringshaws Loch as the best spot for stargazing.

They have now completed the purchase of the old visitor center – supported by £200,000 from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

The new £1.5 million observatory at the site will consist of two observation domes – each with a large telescope.

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

Mr Charron thanked all the groups who had supported the plans.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have secured the acquisition of such a wonderful site on which to establish a new astronomical observatory,” he said.

“We are determined to create an extraordinary structure that will excite and inspire people for generations to come in the wonders to see in a truly dark night sky.”

SDSM said that it had been a “long process” but at no point did it occur to him to “throw in the towel”.

He added that reaching a full settlement of her insurance claim on the old building had taken longer than expected, but once it had been completed she had immediately turned her attention to finding a new and more suitable site. .

The group added that the “biggest improvement” would be overall visitor and vehicle access.

He said the development – which should take around two years to complete – had “huge potential” to have a wide range of community and economic benefits.

The Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Prof Catherine Heymans, will become patron of the SDSO.

She said: “In Scotland we are incredibly proud of our internationally recognized dark sky sites, away from the street lights that prevent urban dwellers from seeing the true beauty of the cosmos.

“When the clouds clear at Clatteringshaws Loch, deep within the Galloway Forest, the sky is literally full of stars.

“It’s the perfect location for the new SDSO, which, like a phoenix, is rising from the ashes of its much-loved predecessor, revamped as a bigger and better version of what came before. “

Interim SOSE and enterprise director Anthony Daye said he was delighted to have supported the acquisition of the site.

He said the development of the observatory would be an example of how the area’s natural resources can be used to benefit the region.

John Dougan, FLS southern region manager, added: “The re-use of the former visitor center is great news for the area.

“It’s a huge boost for the observatory team, who we have no doubt will transform the building into a great asset for Dark Sky Park.”

David Hope-Jones, chief executive of tourism body Southern Scotland Destination Alliance, said he was “very excited” by the news.

He said it could extend the visitor season to the area and, in turn, benefit the wider community and businesses.