7 MARCH 2007 NEWS RELEASE No: 9328

On Friday 23 and Saturday 24 March, Forestry Commission Scotland, Dornoch Forest District, will be hosting a two-day Dark Sky Scotland astronomy activity programme at Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel, near Ardgay, as part of the Commission's 'touchwood' celebrations.

The two day event at Carbisdale Castle will be run by a trained team of professional astronomers from the Royal Observatory Edinburgh and representatives from the Glasgow Science Centre. 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 to entertain the whole family.

Scotland benefits from some of the darkest skies in western Europe and the forest cover in the Highlands 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.

All the activities are free and will be relaxed, informal and entertaining! The event programme is as follows:

Friday 23 March
6.30-7.30pm - Family stargazing with lots of astrofun whatever the weather. Booking in advance is essential.*

Saturday 24 March
2-6pm - An afternoon of astrofun for all ages. Activities include: star lab planetariums shows, comet-making, handling rocks from space, rocket launching and the opportunity to make your own constellation umbrella.
6.30-7.30pm - Family stargazing. Booking in advance essential.*

*To book stargazing - please contact Forestry Commission Scotland, Dornoch Forest District, tel: 01862 810359 (weekdays 9am-5pm).

Please note: Anyone attending the evening stargazing events should wear warm clothing and appropriate outdoor shoes. Those with access to binoculars or telescopes should bring them but it is not a requirement.

Local Recreation Forester, Catherine MacCulloch said;

"Our forests provide some of the best light-free locations in the world. Many local astronomers already regularly use the forests in the area for stargazing and I hope these events will encourage even more people to give it a go and discover what can be seen on their doorstep.

"The events planned for 23 and 24 March will appeal to all age groups - from experienced astronomer to complete beginner. It'll be a wonderful opportunity for local people to learn more about what can be seen in the sky from their doorstep.

"Booking in advance for the evening stargazing events is required but the afternoon event on Saturday is available to anyone who turns up on the day and will be packed with fun activities. Don't worry if the weather's bad on the day - there will be lots of cosmic activities to entertain regardless of the weather conditions."

In addition to the public family events mentioned above there will workshops running for local education providers, tourism businesses, and community groups over the two event days. For more information about these events and to book please contact Dornoch Forest District office on 01862 810359 (weekdays 9am to 5pm).

Dark Sky Scotland is Scotland's first nationwide programme of astronomy events. There will be over 30 astronomy events at venues throughout Scotland up to Spring 2008. Forestry Commission Scotland is hosting many of these events as part of its 'touchwood' programme of events to mark Scotland's Year of Highland Culture. For further information about the 'touchwood' programme visit www.touchwood2007.org.uk

The innovative Dark Sky Scotland programme is supported by a range of partners and funders. Highland and Islands Enterprise are one such funding organisation.

Speaking ahead of the event at Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel, Bill Taylor, Heritage Manager for Highlands and Islands Enterprise said;

"Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is happy to support this project with £15,000. The dark skies of the Highlands and Islands are a little recognised asset for our communities. This project can help them benefit from this in an exciting and fun way that will connect them with science and technology.

"It is also a great opportunity for tourism businesses to learn how to share our dark skies with their visitors. This can be another attraction to encourage visitors to the Highlands and Islands."

Further information about Dark Sky Scotland and events scheduled in other areas of Scotland can be found at www.darkskyscotland.org.uk

Directions to Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel: Follow the signs for Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel from Ardgay near Bonar Bridge (postcode IV24 3DP).

Hungry participants can refuel at youth hostel café which will be open for snacks, lunches and evening meals throughout the two days.

Notes to Editors:
1) Attached is a supporting photograph of stargazing.
2) If you would like to send a reporter or photographer to one of the activities please contact Catherine MacCulloch, Dornoch Forest District in advance on 01862 810359 to arrange.
3) If you are interested in acquiring a supporting astronomical image from the Royal Observatory Edinburgh to support your article please contact Dan Hillier on 0131 668 8406 or email djh@roe.ac.uk It is forecast that the moon will be in a good position and Saturn will be visible on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 March - the two event days.
4) 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.

Media Enquiries:
Diana McGowan, Forestry Commission Scotland, press office, tel: 0131 314 6507 or 07785 527590