6 FEBRUARY 2007 NEWS RELEASE No: 9258

Forestry Commission Scotland will be hosting the inaugural events of an exciting new initiative called Dark Sky Scotland at Kirkton of Durris on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 February.

Scotland benefits from some of the darkest skies in western Europe and the forest cover in the north-east provides an ideal location for stargazing. The Dark Sky Scotland initiative is the first pan-Scotland programme of public and educational astronomy events, and is designed to encourage young and old to learn about what's in the skies above them in a fun and exciting way.

The two day event at Durris will be run by a trained team of professional and amateur astronomers from Aberdeen Astronomical Society and members of the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. These experts will be on hand to explain what astronomy is all about, highlight what to look out for at this time of year, and run a range of astrofun activities which will entertain all the family.

Overwhelming interest in the evening stargazing elements of the two day programme has already resulted in these elements being booked out in advance. However, the afternoon activities, all based in the hall at Kirkton, on Saturday (10 February), between 1400hrs and 1700hrs, still offer anyone interested, the opportunity to do a bit of stargazing during daylight hours!

The programme of activities for Saturday 10 February is as follows:

1400hrs Starlab Show
1445hrs Comet-making demonstration
1530hrs Constellation making workshop
1615hrs Starlab Show
1700hrs Comet-making demonstration

Throughout the afternoon there will also be activities on-going which anyone can join in at any stage.

Jackie Cumberbirch, Ranger, Forestry Commission Scotland, Aberdeenshire said,

"Saturday afternoon will be an excellent opportunity for families to see some of the inspiring activities the Dark Sky Scotland experts will be running. A visit to the starlab will really open your eyes as to what you can see in the skies above, and comet-making needs to be seen to be believed.

"Just because it's daylight doesn't mean you can't learn about astronomy. These free events and activities will be a lot of fun and there'll be something for all the family. You could even make a day of it and combine it with a trip to nearby Durris forest."

Notes to Editors:
1) If you would like to send a photographer to the events at Kirkton of Durris please contact Jackie Cumberbirch on 07799 658209. Photo opportunities will be available between 1400-1700hrs on Saturday 10 February. While the evening stargazing events are fully booked, photographers can still be accommodated for photo opportunities. These events start at 1830hrs on both Friday 9 and Saturday 10 February. To arrange please contact Jackie Cumberbirch on afore listed number.

2) Forestry Commission Scotland is hosting a series of Dark Sky Scotland events throughout 2007 and in early 2008 as part of the Commission's programme of events celebrating Highland Year of Culture. For more information about these events visit www.touchwood2007.org.uk

3) Dark Sky Scotland is Scotland's first nationwide programme of astronomy events. It will inspire science education and lifelong learning, encourage careers in science and technology and promote dark sky tourism in rural areas. There will be over 30 astronomy events at venues throughout Scotland up to Spring 2008. The events will involve;
- Daytime and evening family activities
- Astronomy workshops for teachers
- Astronomy workshops for tourism and community

The Dark Sky Scotland partners are:
- Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre is leading the Dark Sky Scotland project
- Forestry Commission Scotland is hosting events on the national forest estate as part of it's 'touchwood' programme of events celebrating Highland Year of Culture 2007
- Careers Scotland is supporting teacher workshops as part of its Science and Technology Matters programme
- Glasgow Science Centre with a wealth of expertise in public stargazing and planetarium shows, will play a leading role in running the events
- The Institute of Physics is a membership organisation of researchers, students, teachers and other who are helping to run the events

Many events will be run in collaboration with Scotland's very active local astronomy societies

Dark Sky Scotland is funded by: The Scottish Executive, Forestry Commission Scotland, Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and European Social Fund.

For further information visit www.darkskyscotland.org.uk

Media Enquiries:
Diana McGowan, Forestry Commission Scotland, press office, tel: 0131 314 6507