Plans for a new observatory on a remote part of Lewis have taken a step forward.
Gallan Head Community Trust (GHCT) has joined forces with the University of St Andrews and Stornoway Astronomical Society as part of its Cetus Project.
The trust wants to attract visitors to observe and listen to the island’s rich marine wildlife during the day and enjoy its spectacular views of the Milky Way at night.
The Gallan Head is a small peninsula in Uig at the most north-westerly tip of the UK.
The area has no light pollution and, on a clear night, the Milky Way appears to the naked eye as an almost solid band across the sky.
By day, there are stunning views of the west coast of Lewis, over Loch Roag to the islands of Bernera, Old Hill, Berisay and Pabbay, across the Uig hills down to Harris and over the sea to the Flannan Isles and, on a clear day, St Kilda.
The trust is now in the final stages of acquiring a Ministry of Defence (MoD) site at Aird Uig using the community right to buy process.
Professor John Brown, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, has already been signed up as patron.
Stornoway Astronomical Society will work with the trust on the development of observatory facilities on the peninsula, with the aim of creating opportunities for education as well as enjoyment.
Fife-based SA Instrumentation Ltd will also provide assistance and equipment to monitor marine wildlife sounds and movements from the Gallan Head, across Loch Roag to Old Hill and Berisay.
Martin Hayes, GHCT chairman, said: “Our aim is to establish a multi-purpose observatory where visitors can study and enjoy the dark skies, the marine wildlife of Loch Roag, and the remarkable natural and historical environment.
“The project is dependent upon successful completion of the community buyout of MoD Aird Uig, expected to conclude later this year.”