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Highland astronomy project awarded vital funding

Abriachan’s Clelland McCallum recounts a starry folk tale around the campfire.  Photo by Abriachan Forest Trust
Abriachan’s Clelland McCallum recounts a starry folk tale around the campfire. Photo by Abriachan Forest Trust

A Highland astronomy outreach project has received a welcome boost in the form of funding from the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Following a successful pilot of the Star Stories project last winter at the Abriachan Forest Trust’s dark sky site, around 12 miles southwest of Inverness, the programme will return this year seeking to bring culture, landscape and astronomical learning together through the mediums of storytelling and sky observing.

Stephen Mackintosh, the project astronomer who initiated the bid, said: “These events will be unique because they’ll link astronomical observing with landscape in a format accessible to all ages, not just technical hobbyists.

“Astronomy isn’t only about looking through telescopes; people are fascinated by the broad sweep of the night sky and things like ancient timekeeping.

“In building landscape props like a wooden henge, people can get a real feel for how the Sun, moon and stars were tracked by our ancestors, which is an excellent gateway into modern astronomical learning.

“It will also leave a lasting legacy at the Abriachan site itself.”

The Star Stories programme will now explore the purchasing of vital astronomical observing equipment, such as plinth mounted binoculars and clear space for the construction of astronomical landscape props.

Suzann Bar, learning co-ordinator at Abriachan Forest Trust, said: “We have no doubt the Star Stories events will be inspirational for ourselves and, more importantly engage and inspire our pupils, young people and their families.”

Steve Owens, author of Stargazing for Dummies who will be speaking during the programme, said: “This is a fabulous opportunity to get people from all walks of life looking up into the dark skies of the Scottish Highlands, and directly connecting with their natural and cultural heritage.”