The bid for Galloway Forest Park to achieve Dark Sky status has taken a step closer with Forestry Commission Scotland formally sending in the application for the coveted award.
The International Dark Sky Association now has six weeks to decide whether the forest park meets the criteria to become a hot spot for stargazers.
Two UK board members are also set to visit the forest park to help decide if the skies are dark enough to make Silver or even Gold status within the award.
Keith Muir, Forestry Commission Scotland’s head of tourism and environment in Galloway is keeping his fingers crossed for the outcome:
“We had light readings taken last winter with great results so we are hoping to match or improve on this. If we get Dark Sky status I’m sure it will be a great boost for the area and a real draw for stargazers wanting to experience some of the clearest skies in Britain.
“We’ve worked very hard to pull this exciting project together - Wigtownshire Astronomical Society, lighting experts and students of Glasgow University have all helped tremendously. The support from local people, councillors and businesses has also spurred us on.
“However, it isn’t all plain sailing from here. The criteria to make Dark Sky status is really tough so it will be a nervous time for all involved until the decision is made.”
The three existing Dark Sky Parks are all in the United States and it has been a major undertaking to adopt and apply all the American criteria to one that fits within a Scottish context.
If the application is successful then there is scope to potentially widen out the Dark Skies area to include the surrounding areas. Discussions on this have already been taking place with Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The International Dark Sky Association meets on the 14th & 15th November and a decision on whether Galloway Forest Park gets awarded the status should be made shortly after.
The full application can be viewed on http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-7R5HHE .
Notes to news editors
1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.
2. Media enquiries to Keith Muir, Galloway Forest District 0797 982 4941 or Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.