Dark Sky Scotland The Galloway Astronomy Centre was please to be invited to attend the start of the Dark Sky Scotland project at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. We will also be working with Wigtownshire Astronomical Society to organise and promote forthcoming events under the Dark Sky Scotland banner. Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen MSP launched Dark Sky Scotland on 17^th January 2007. This is the first nationwide programme of public and educational astronomical events of its type in Scotland. The dark skies of rural Scotland, free from urban light pollution, are among the best in Europe offering stunning views of the stars and planets. Led by the Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre, Dark Sky Scotland events will take place from February 2007 to Spring 2008. For Dumfries & Galloway events are being organised in conjunction with the Forestry Commission and Careers Scotland at locations such as the Kirroughtree Visitor Centre. The programme includes workshops for teachers and projects for children to help open their eyes to the night sky and the wider world of science and technology and the possibilities of careers in science. A further aim is to teach accommodation providers basic astronomy skills and sourcing information which can be passed on to interested guests. Accommodation Providers On the morning of 23^th Feb 2007 the Kirroughtree Visitor Centre will host a Dark Sky workshop to give Accommodation Providers information and ideas for the possibilities this project can bring to their business. We should stress you do not have to have any knowledge of astronomy to benefit. Most people in the UK live in towns and cities where street lights block out the stars. It is likely that any guest staying at a rural location will comment on how many stars there are in the sky. The potential is then there for small businesses to make their guests experience more memorable by having available basic information on what can be seen in the sky on that night. Larger establishments have greater scope by possibly being able to organise astronomy workshops in the winter to attract more business at quiet time of year. These and other ideas will be discussed during the event. We all know that it is the little extras that can make all the difference to a guest enjoyment. Final preparations are being made for the Kirroughtree event and you should be receiving notification of the event through VisitScotland, ADGAP or directly from the Forestry Commission. The Dark Sky project supports the philosophy of the Galloway Astronomy Centre which has been promoting the dark skies of the region since it opened in 2004. To help accommodation providers give guests up to date information on the night sky the Galloway Astronomy Centre is considering producing a monthly newsletter to be e-mailed to businesses for a small charge. There would also be special bulletins issued if an unexpected event occurs (e.g. aurora borealis – northern lights). The annual subscription fee is estimated to be no more the £15.00. Finally, by hiring our portable telescope the Centre can give your guests a guided tour through the night sky at your premises. Typical cost is £30 + travelling expenses. Advance booking is essential. If you would like to discuss the project in advance, booking our telescope or to provisionally subscribe to the newsletter please call the Centre on 01988 500594. For general information on the Dark Sky Project elsewhere in Scotland visit the website at http://www.darkskyscotland.org.uk/