Northern Lights transform the skies above the Highlands and Islands and Grampian

Striking images and video footage of the Northern Lights have been shared across social media.

By Michelle Henderson

March 24 2023, 7:48 am

Stunning images of the Northern Lights over the Sound of Islay. Images: Billy Stitchell

The skies above northern Scotland were illuminated by a sea of red, green and purple lights during the latest Northern Lights display.

People from across the Highlands and Islands and Grampian gazed upon the Aurora Borealis as it danced across the skies overhead.

Shetland and Orkney residents were given a front-row seat as the wave of lights brought the sky to life from 8pm.

Stargazers across the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire were also treated to a stunning display.

Martin Treacher played the pipes at Skelbo near Dornoch on Thursday night as the Northern Lights lit up the sky above. Image: Birthday Bagpipes

Passengers and staff onboard MV Hjaltland, operated by NorthLink Ferries, caught the display on their sailing from Aberdeen to Shetland.

Meanwhile, in Skelbo near Dornoch, Martin Treacher played the pipes as he took in the views of the Northern Lights.

Here’s some of our favourite Northern Lights images from last night.

Daryl Sayer’s wife watched as the skies above Dufftown were illuminated in green. Image: Daryl Sayer

Stunning views of the Northern Lights were recorded in Maud. Image: Leanne Brown

Spectacular display of Mirrie Dancers from the MV Hjaltland this evening en route to #Aberdeen from #Shetland – taken by Kasia Thorp, Purser#NorthernLights #AuroraBorealis #ScotlandIsCalling pic.twitter.com/6fGGVk954I

— NorthLink Ferries (@NLFerries) March 23, 2023

Green and red lights could be seen in the skies over the village of Portknockie in Moray. Image: Fiona Tait

Golspie tonight – thanks to Gemma Skinner

Posted by Golspie Village on Thursday, 23 March 2023

Stunning views of the Aurora Borealis were captured in Rosehearty. Image: Claire Forsyth

Lucy Reed was treated to a spectacular view of the Northern Lights last night. Image: Lucy Reed

Green lights swayed across the skies above Huntly on Thursday evening. Image: Richard Symon

Shetland residents enjoyed stunning views of the Aurora Borealis. Image: Debbie McArdle

Arlene Gordon captured the green lights overhead in Lossiemouth last night. Image: Arlene Gordon

The Highlands were treated to an amazing Aurora last night, it’s hard to explain how magical it is to watch it flash across the sky. credit to Michelle Robson for this photo over John O’Groats

Posted by Puffin Croft on Friday, 24 March 2023

The skies above Helmsdale were illuminated in green. Image: Kelly Mackay

The Northern Lights light up the sky above Alness. Image: Rachael Smith

Bishopmill – Elgin pic.twitter.com/wB0NxRMrT6

— Tyler McNeill (@train_spotter_) March 24, 2023

Residents in Keith enjoyed views of the Northern Lights. Image: Tracy goes outside

What an amazing light show at Cantick Head Lighthouse #northernlights #AuroraBorealis pic.twitter.com/XxgI9INZgg

— Alan Mackinnon (@cantickhead) March 24, 2023

Tonight’s aurora near Fraserburgh #AuroraBorealis @WindyWilson88 pic.twitter.com/5GCIoLQPV2

— S2 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@S2Plu82) March 24, 2023

Aurora Borealis – Northern Lights overhead about midnight from Brae of Achnahaird, NW Highlands #aurora #northernlights #nightscape @chunder10 @cogie_s pic.twitter.com/q4xEyPi6TF

— Old Dairy Swaledale (@OldDairyLowRow) March 24, 2023